BIRMINGHAM., Ala. – The Samford women's basketball team wrapped up the non-conference portion of its schedule with a 70-54 win over Fisk Friday afternoon at the Pete Hanna Center.
 
With the win, Samford improved its record to 7-10 on the season. Fisk fell to 4-10 with the loss.
 
"I thought it was maybe not our prettiest game in terms of execution and certainly shot making, but nights like that happen, but I thought we continued to defend," Samford head coach Matt Wise said. "I think they have some talented players, Kayla Lee made some tough shots, and they as a team made some tough shots. I think there was plenty of room for improvement out of this game for us, but to play 11 players, have 10 of them score and the one who didn't finish three assists, zero turnovers and five rebounds in Alyssa Tarpley, I thought it was a really good team effort."
 
Samford was led in scoring in the game by Briana Rivera with 18 points, while Kaylee Yarbrough followed with 11 points. Jada Knight had seven assists without a turnover, while also grabbing five rebounds.
 
For Fisk, Kayla Lee led the way with 17 points. Ari Branch followed with 15 points, while Kennedi Wagner had 11 points for Fisk.
 
Samford raced out to a 12-0 lead with 4:29 to go in the first quarter after a three-pointer by Rivera. Samford built the lead to 14 points at 19-5 late in the first period and the Bulldogs held a 19-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
 
After Fisk cut the lead to 11 points at 26-15, Samford went on a 12-2 run to push the lead out to 21 points at 38-17 with 2:02 left in the second quarter following a layup by Martha Bishop. Samford held a 38-20 lead heading into the locker room at halftime.
 
In the third quarter, Fisk cut the lead to 13 points at 38-25 after a three-pointer by Harmonie Bolton at the 8:29 mark in the period. Samford extended the lead back out to 18 points at 46-28 with 5:30 left in the third after three free throws by Rivera. Samford held a 52-37 lead at the end of the third period.
 
Samford extended its lead to 20 points at 59-39 with 8:16 to go in the game after a three-pointer by Francie Morris. Samford led by as many as 22 points down the stretch and the Bulldogs came away with a 70-54 win.
 
Next up, Samford will open Southern Conference with a game at UNC Greensboro on Jan. 8. The game is set for a 6 p.m. (CT) start from Greensboro, N.C.




 
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