TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - It was a defensive war Tuesday night as Stillman College battled No. 25 Rust College in a 47-41 non-conference loss at Birthright Alumni Hall.
Both teams held the other to less than 33% shooting on the night, while crashing the defensive glass 24 times for Rust and 23 for Stillman.
The Tigers took a 10-4 lead in the first quarter and led 12-8 after 10 minutes. Stillman maintained its lead until Rust used a 9-0 run to go ahead 20-16 with 3:43 left in the first half.
Farrah Pearson scored eight straight points, including a steal and fastbreak layup, in the final 3 minutes to give Stillman a 25-22 halftime lead.
A low-scoring third quarter allowed Rust to retake the lead, 33-28, entering the fourth quarter.
Danyjhia Williams pulled Stillman even, 33-33, but Diamond Sweats rebounded her own missed shot and scored to keep Rust in front. Pearson answered with a 3 to give Stillman a 36-35 lead, but it would be the Tigers' last lead of the night.
A pair of Bearcat 3-pointers pushed the lead to 43-38. Rust went 4-for-4 at the free throw line in the last 30 seconds.
Hannah Boykin-Williams hit a 3 with 19 seconds left before Amelya Hatch sealed the win with a pair of free throws.
Pearson scored 19 points to lead all players, while
Thaniyah Marks scored nine points.
Sweats led Rust with 11 points, while Niya McGuire had a double-double 10 points and 10 rebounds. Shuntorri Rodgers and Hatch each scored eight points.
Stillman (6-4) will return to Southern States Athletic Conference action this weekend, hosting the University of Mobile on Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon. Admission is reduced to $10. Those who donate a new toy will receive a reduced $5 ticket price.
