Lady Royals Secure Home Victory Over St. Andrews
Knoxville, TN- The Johnson University women's basketball team put together a strong all-around performance to claim a 71-61 victory over St. Andrews on Saturday evening. The Lady Royals controlled the game from the start and held off a late push from the Knights to secure the win at home.
Johnson showcased an evenly distributed offensive attack, with multiple players contributing on the scoreboard. Bekah Gardner led the Lady Royals with 18 points, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line. Hannah Jones provided a solid inside presence, finishing with 14 points and five blocks. The Royals also got a boost from their bench, as Shamiya Francis and Hailey Brooks combined for 11 key points.
The Lady Royals shot 34.8% from the field, connecting on eight three-pointers while going an impressive 85.0% (17-for-20) from the free-throw line. Their ability to capitalize on free-throw opportunities helped them maintain their lead in the closing minutes.
Johnson's defensive effort was a key factor in the win, as they held St. Andrews to just seven points in the third quarter. The Lady Royals dominated the rebounding battle, out-rebounding the Knights 51-31. Jordan Heifner was a force on the boards, grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds while also dishing out five assists.
St. Andrews struggled to find consistent scoring, shooting 35.1% from the field. Despite a strong performance from Londaisha Smith, who led all scorers with 19 points, the Knights couldn't overcome Johnson's defensive pressure. Angelina Jordan chipped in nine points, while Jamicia Davis contributed 13 points and six assists in the loss.