Montgomery, Ala.- The morning tip-off in Montgomery carried a quiet electricity as the Toppers met Tennessee Southern in the opening round of the SSAC Women's Basketball Championship.
Tennessee Southern found rhythm early, but Blue Mountain Christian never allowed the game to drift away. 
The Toppers settled in behind steady defensive effort and patient offense, gradually answering each surge with composure. 
As the game unfolded, momentum shifted back and forth, with neither side able to create lasting separation. 
Blue Mountain continued to battle on the glass and contest every possession, keeping the score tight deep into regulation.
When the horn sounded at the end of the fourth quarter with the score even, the contest moved into overtime, and then into a second extra period as both teams continued to trade baskets. 
The Toppers stayed within reach throughout, playing with poise and belief until the final seconds, before Tennessee Southern ultimately edged ahead to secure a 75–72 double-overtime decision.
Individually, Blue Mountain was guided by a balanced and determined effort. Maddie Kirk delivered a strong all-around performance with 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, consistently setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
McKenzie Williams provided a physical presence inside, finishing with 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Isabella Carlson filled the stat sheet with 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as she orchestrated the offense. 
Rebecca Walter added 10 points and seven rebounds, and Lena Taylor knocked down three three-pointers on her way to nine points, helping stretch the floor during critical stretches of the game. 
Kathryn Echols also contributed seven points and seven rebounds, giving the Toppers valuable minutes and steady production.
Across the stat line, Blue Mountain's collective effort was evident, as the Toppers connected on 10 three-pointers, totaled 53 rebounds, and recorded 18 assists, reflecting a group that shared the ball and stayed connected throughout the afternoon.
We are thankful for our hardworking seniors as they displayed great character on and off the court.
 
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