Noe’s Putback Secures AAC Tournament Spot in Physical Nail-Biter Over Johnson
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Johnson (TN) (11-15, 10-10) | 15 | 9 | 18 | 9 | 51 |
|
Union Commonwealth (8-19, 7-13) | 11 | 23 | 8 | 10 | 52 |
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. - Union Commonwealth University's women's basketball team (8-19, 7-13 AAC) defeated Johnson University (11-15, 10-10 AAC) on Sunday afternoon at Robsion Arena, 52-51.
The game was highly physical, featuring six ties and four lead changes, keeping both teams battling down to the final second.
Freshman guard Akeeviah Betts led the Bulldogs with 12 points, shooting 4-of-7 from the field.
Freshman forwards Kylie Noe and Aymanni Wynn each added 11 points, with Wynn also pacing the team with four assists.
Sophomore center Lindsey Pirkle led the Bulldogs on the boards with seven rebounds.
How It Happened
First Quarter: Union Commonwealth 11, Johnson 15
The Bulldogs came out strong, with early baskets from Noe and Wynn giving Union an initial lead. Johnson rallied midway through the quarter, holding the advantage until late in the period. Freshman guard Aniyah Carter hit a three-pointer with 1:26 remaining to tie the game, but late scoring by the Royals in the final seconds sent Union into the break trailing 11-15.
Second Quarter: Union Commonwealth 34, Johnson 24
The Bulldogs opened the second quarter aggressively, holding Johnson scoreless for the first three minutes as they surged a 9-0 run to reclaim a 20-15 advantage at the 6:55 mark. The Royals answered to briefly tie the game at 20-20, but that wasn't enough as the Bulldogs responded with another surge, scoring 10 points in a two-minute stretch while keeping Johnson off the board. Betts, Noe and Wynn paced the run, taking turns converting on consecutive possessions. Betts closed the half with a layup in the final seconds, sending Union into halftime with a 34-24 advantage.
Third Quarter: Union Commonwealth 42, Johnson 42
Johnson struck first in the third, but Union answered behind inside baskets from Noe and a layup from Carter to keep the Bulldogs in front. Wynn added two free throws, and Noe extended the lead to 42-31 midway through the period. The Royals responded late, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities and knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers to close the quarter on an 11-0 run and tie the game at 42-42 entering the fourth.
Fourth Quarter: Union Commonwealth 52, Johnson 51
Betts put the Bulldogs back in front early in the fourth, connecting from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. Johnson answered with a quick run down the stretch, capped by a 3-pointer at the 2:18 mark to take a 51-48 lead. With 39 seconds remaining, senior guard Isis Rodgers converted two free throws to trim the deficit to one. In the final second, Noe secured an offensive rebound and scored the putback to lift Union to a 52-51 victory and clinch a spot in the AAC Tournament.
Click here to see the Baymont Inn Player of the Game.
Up Next
The Bulldogs will shift their focus to the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament as they await their seed.
