THOMASVILLE, Ga. – The Thomas University women's basketball team rang in the start of 2016 with a 78-64 victory over Allen University (7-6) this afternoon in a physically battle and turnover plagued matchup.
 
The contest, which saw a combined 77 turnovers and eight technical fouls between both squads, turned the tide for the Lady Night Hawks who last time out lost to Coastal Georgia on their home court before the holiday break.
 
"Today was a great start of a new season heading into conference play next week," stated head coach Coretta Brown.
 
While Allen jumped out to a narrow, 14-13 lead after the opening quarter, it was Thomas who made a statement in the second quarter outscoring the Yellow Jackets 19-11 for the 32-25 advantage at the intermission.
 
Thomas (6-5, 1-0 TSC) won the second half battle as well outscoring Allen 46-39 en route to their 78-64 victory. The Lady Night Hawks held a game high 17 point, 55-38 advantage with 10 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
 
Senior forward Bria Joyner-Williams led the way for Thomas scoring 22 points while bringing down eight boards.  Bra'shay Ali picked up her eighth double-double of the season scoring 15 points while bringing down 11 rebounds.  Allen had four players in double figures with guard Kamya Thomas leading the way with 14.
 
Brown continued, "Our women showed a lot of fight and unity tonight on the court, and now it's time to use that connection and piece together more wins."
 
The Lady Night Hawks return to action on Thursday, Jan. 7 when they host Florida Memorial in Sun Conference action.  Tipoff from the TU Gymnasium is slated for 5:30 p.m.
 
By the Numbers:
2 – Lady Night Hawks in double figures in scoring
5 – Days until Thomas faces Kennesaw State
11 – Game high total of rebounds by Bra'shey Ali
22 – Points scored by TU's scoring leader Bria Joyner-Williams
49 – Total rebounds by the Lady Night Hawks
77 – Total turnovers by Lady Night Hawks and Yellow Jackets combined
78 – Points scored by Thomas
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by-play, and feature stories of your TU women's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWBKB.