ROME- The Shorter Hawks' six-game win streak came to an end Thursday night after falling to King in a 68-60 final.
The Tornado opened up the first quarter with back-to-back threes, getting momentum early. The Tornado would keep spinning, however, and despite Chelsy Singleton's best efforts with a triple and two free throws, King University continued to cash in each possession. Good effort in the paint from Amya Patterson, Amiya Redus, and Aijah Manning would put the Hawks within one with just under two minutes to go, but the Tornado would hit a triple to make it a 21-17 affair after one.
The second quarter began with Amiya Redus knocking down both shots at the charity stripe. The visitors rallied on, scoring seven unanswered to extend their lead. Amari Butler and Amiya Redus would combine to pour in five to cut the deficit to four, but the Tornado capitalized on free throws and another triple to enter halftime up 38-30.
Out of the half, the first four minutes of the third consisted of Jaliyah Zackery holding her own against both the Tornado offense and defense, collecting two points and two rebounds. However, King would score 10 more unanswered, and found themselves up sixteen with less than two minutes to go. Amari Butler and Amya Patterson both delivered perfect trips at the charity stripe, but a late three from King put them up 53-38 as they entered the final frame.
Chelsy Singleton, Amya Patterson, and Amari Butler would show signs of rejuvenation early in the last quarter, with Singleton recording five points, Butler hitting a bonus distance ball, and Patterson burying a bucket from the paint. The Tornado responded well and held off a last-minute push from the Hawks. Shorter found their rhythm in the fourth, outscoring King 22-15, but it would not be enough as their six-game winning streak came to a close in a 68-60 final.
Chelsy Singleton and Amya Redus were formidable on offense, with Singleton dropping 16 points and eight rebounds, with six being offensive, as well as Redus pouring in 13 points of her own. Amya Patterson was dangerous both offensively and defensively, finishing with nine points on the evening with four rebounds and two blocks. Amari Butler was extremely valuable off the bench, cashing in 10 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
UP NEXT
The Hawks will have a quick turnaround as they host Lees-McRae this Saturday for a 2:00 PM tip-off.
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