All things considered, Season Four of AU Basketball opened at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and the action did not disappoint. It saw explosive offense as well as a great defensive matchup in the Music City. That being said, let’s recap Games One and Two of Season Four.
Game One: Offense Shined In AU Basketball Season Debut
Looking at Game One, Team Blue, led by guard Kierstan Bell, faced Team Orange, led by guard Evina Westbrook. In the first quarter, Westbrook’s squad jumped to an early 11-0 lead and led by a score of 34 -14 after quarter one. Team Blue was certainly feeling the blues as they managed just 27 points in the first half. All in all, Team Orange would stay in control of the game in the second half, winning by a score of 114-72.
The 114 points by TeamWestbrook are the most in an Opening Game of any AU Basketball season and the sixth-most in any game in league history. What’s more, the 16 made three-pointers are the fourth-most all-time in AU Basketball history. Chicago Sky guard Kia Nurse made an impression in her AU Basketball debut with 23 points and six rebounds.
a triple by @TyHarris_52 for the first points of AU Season 4 🎯
— AU Pro Basketball (@AUProBasketball) February 5, 2025
📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/lQQM12snMb
Nurse took home MVP 1 honors as teammates Crystal Bradford and Ty Harris won MVP 2 and 3 honors, respectively. Bradford notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 boards as Harris scored 21 points with six boards. Center Victoria Saxton put up 13 points in 21 minutes as guard Bria Hartley grabbed 10 rebounds for Team Westbrook. Bell had 16 points while guards Christyn Williams and Odyssey Sims scored 23 points and 11 points for Team Blue.
Game Two: A Defense Battle From Start To Finish
While Game One showcased offense, this game was all about defense. Forward Isabelle Harrison and Team Gold squared off against guard Sydney Colson and Team Purple. The first half of this game saw Team Harrison with a 38-30 lead over Team Colson. As for the second half, it was 14 points apiece in the third frame and Harrison’s squad edged out Team Colson by a 25-22 margin. Overall, Team Harrison held on for a 77-66 win.
Maddy Siegrist of Team Harrison was the MVP 1, leading all scorers with 23 points while adding 10 boards. Harrison herself got a double-double as well with 17 points and 10 rebounds, winning MVP 3 honors. Additionally, guard Lexie Brown shot 57.1% from beyond the arc, finishing with 17 points.
that's tough work right there @OMG_itsizzyb 😤
— AU Pro Basketball (@AUProBasketball) February 6, 2025
📺 ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/cJzmqMsL9L
Despite being on the losing end of this contest, Tennessee native Alysha Clark scored 20 points, taking home MVP 3 honors. Forward Alissa Pili added 14 points as fellow forward Theresa Plaisance grabbed 14 boards for Team Colson.
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