The Mississippi University for Women basketball teams split a doubleheader against Oakwood University on Monday night at Pohl Gymnasium.
In the opener, Starlandria Walton had 15 points to help send senior Tenazhia Hinkson out with an 83-42 victory in her final home game.
In the men’s game, former Starkville High School and East Mississippi Community College standout Keith Harris had 23 points, but The W men lost to Oakwood 83-77.
In the women’s game, Walton was 7-for-10 from the field to lead a balanced scoring attack for the Owls (15-6). Keyahna Jones and Katlyn Duke had eight rebounds, while Autumn Taylor, former West Point High standout Qiayon Bailey, and Duke had 12, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
The W used a 17-3 run to close the first quarter to take a 21-7 lead after 10 minutes. The Owls led 44-21 at halftime.
In the men’s game, Harris, a junior, was 9-for-19 from the field. He added three steals, five rebounds, and one blocked shot.
Tavonta Jones had 16 points, four rebounds, and four steals, and former Starkville High standout Josh Skinner had 15 points, three assists, one block, and one steal for The W (6-16). Tre Pinkston added 10 points for the Owls.
The W turned 22 turnovers by Oakwood into a 26-14 edge in points off turnovers.
The Ambassadors used a 15-4 run late in the first half to take a 41-30 halftime lead. The lead grew to 15 points, 54-39, before the Owls rallied. A tip-in and a 3-pointer by Harris cut the deficit to 10. The W scored nine-straight points to trim the margin to 76-72 with four minutes remaining.
Prior to the game, The W honored seniors DJ Clark and Skinner in their final home games.
The W will face off against Oakwood in a doubleheader Saturday in Huntsville, Alabama. The women’s game will start at 7 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 9 p.m.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.