The Millsaps College women’s basketball team defeated Berry College 82-53 Thursday night at the Hangar Dome in Jackson, Mississippi. The Majors (18-6, 9-4 Southern Athletic Association) pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring the Vikings 19-7.
Millsaps dominated the paint, scoring 40 points and grabbing 40 rebounds. Berry struggled offensively, shooting just 2-for-16 from three-point range. The Majors shot 57% from the field compared to Berry’s 34%, according to the school.
Senior Elyse Warren led the effort with 22 points and 18 rebounds, adding two blocks and three steals. The Memphis, Tennessee, native shot 8-of-13 from the floor. Junior Garin Freeman contributed 18 points and 10 assists, shooting 7-of-11 from the field. Freeman also had four rebounds and a steal.
Junior Tia Anderson scored 19 points, including three three-pointers, and was perfect from the free-throw line. Anderson finished 4-for-4 at the line, with three rebounds and two assists. Bailey Johnson added 12 points, all from three-point attempts, making four of five shots beyond the arc.
The game started strongly for Millsaps, with a 13-0 run in the first quarter. Freeman opened with a layup and contributed on both ends of the court. Warren also played a key role, scoring six points in the quarter, including a layup that closed the period with the Majors ahead 21-11. Berry’s offense was limited, shooting 28.6% in the first quarter, and Warren’s defensive presence helped control the paint.
The Majors extended their lead early in the second quarter, with Freeman stealing and scoring a fast-break layup to make it 22-10. Maddy Maw hit a three-pointer assisted by Freeman, pushing the score to 25-10. Ashlyn Hafley added another three, increasing the lead to 33-14. Warren closed the half with a layup and free throw, giving Millsaps a 39-17 advantage at halftime.
In the third quarter, Anderson and Johnson contributed offensively. Anderson scored a layup and a three-pointer, while Johnson made three three-pointers, including one with 3:24 remaining. Despite Berry scoring 20 points in the quarter, Millsaps maintained control, leading 64-37 after Freeman’s layup at the buzzer.
The fourth quarter saw Millsaps outscore Berry 18-16. The Vikings attempted a late rally with layups and free throws but fell short. The Majors continued to shoot efficiently, including a three from Anderson with three minutes remaining, sealing the victory.
Millsaps will conclude the regular season Saturday, hosting Oglethorpe University for Senior Day at noon. Live video and stats will be available at gomajors.com. The team’s social media accounts and website will provide updates as the postseason approaches.
