Lady Stallions Battle Hard but Fall to Paul Quinn, 77-68
By Rev. Justin C. Jackson
Stafford, Texas—The Lady Stallions of North American University fought valiantly but couldn't overcome a second-half surge by Paul Quinn College, falling 77-68 on January 9th. Despite their best efforts, the Lady Stallions now sit at 6-7 for the season while the Lady Tigers improve to 8-8.
This game wasn't just basketball—it was a war of wills, where every possession was a test of grit. NAU is ranked #1 and PQC is #2 in the USCAA Standings.  Paul Quinn's Canai McPherson showed why she's one of the conference's premier players, lighting up the scoreboard with a jaw-dropping 35 points, including five three-pointers. Her performance was the engine that powered the Lady Tigers to victory, but the Lady Stallions weren't about to let them coast.
First Half: Neck and Neck
The opening quarters were a showcase of defensive intensity and strategic playmaking. Both teams traded blows like two prizefighters feeling each other out. Paul Quinn edged ahead 17-16 in the first and second quarters, leaving the halftime score at a razor-thin 34-32.
Kaci Johnson kept the Stallions within striking distance, scoring efficiently and cleaning up on the boards. Meanwhile, Elisa Peralta's vision was on full display, dishing out assists that threaded the needle like a surgeon with a basketball.
Second Half: McPherson Takes Over
The third quarter was where Paul Quinn made their move. With McPherson in the zone, the Lady Tigers outscored the Stallions 22-14, extending their lead with clinical precision. The Lady Stallions were left searching for answers as turnovers and missed opportunities began to pile up.
North American stormed back in the fourth, outscoring Paul Quinn 22-21. Akyrah Hodges, stepping in off the bench, was a revelation—scoring 14 points in just 13 minutes of action. Her energy was infectious, sparking a late rally that brought the crowd to its feet. But despite their best efforts, the Lady Stallions couldn't close the gap.
Key Performers
Paul Quinn College
- Canai McPherson: The queen of the court tonight. Her 35 points weren't just numbers—they were daggers that kept North American at bay.
- Cierra Taylor: The glue that held Paul Quinn together, recording a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.
- Alura Lofton: A bench weapon, knocking down 13 points and snatching six boards.
North American University
- Kaci Johnson: The heart of the Stallions' attack, tallying 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
- Elisa Peralta: A complete performance with 10 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
- Aliyah Solis: A reliable presence with 11 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Coach's Corner
Paul Quinn's coach praised McPherson's leadership and the team's ability to deliver in clutch moments. On the other hand, the Lady Stallions' coach acknowledged the effort but stressed the need for better execution in crunch time.
"We've got to clean up those turnovers and finish strong when it counts," he said.
Looking Ahead
The Lady Stallions will look to bounce back on January 11th against the University of the Southwest at Stafford MSN. With standout players like Briana Montoya and Milinda Arguellez waiting in the wings, North American will need to bring their A-game.
This is a pivotal moment in the season, folks. If the Lady Stallions can channel their resilience and tighten up their defense, they've got a shot at turning things around.
Mark your calendars—this one's going to be worth the price of admission.