Bryan, Point Drop NAIA Opening Round Contests

WALESKA, Ga. - Bryan and Point represented the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) well in the 2023 NAIA Women's Basketball National Tournament, but both fell in the first round on Tuesday.

No. 12 seed Bryan lost 63-48 to No. 5 seed in the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Bracket, while No. 16 seed Point suffered a 73-47 loss to No. 1 seed Thomas More in the Crestview Hills (Ky.) Bracket.

INDIANA TECH 63, BRYAN 48

Bryan put up a valiant effort and only trailed 47-44 going into the fourth quarter. However, Indiana Tech outscored Bryan 16-4 during the final 10 minutes to secure the 15-point win.

Kaitlynn Hennessee led Bryan with 16 points with Samantha Russell adding 13.

The Lady Lions wrap up the season with a 27-5 record.

THOMAS MORE 73, POINT 47

Ky'Leo Worriels registered a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, but Point fell 73-47 to Thomas More.

Point trailed 21-13 after the opening frame but was outscored 20-9 in the second, finding itself down 41-22 at the break. The Skyhawks netted 16 points in the third but were unable to rally.

Mataea Boyd and Mirial Cannon also netted 11 points apiece for Point.

The Skyhawks finish the season 23-9 overall.