MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Thomas University closed out the 2025–26 campaign on Wednesday morning with a hard‑fought 70–66 loss to Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College at the Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. The Night Hawks (13–16, 7–9 SSAC) led for long stretches and carried a nine‑point advantage early in the fourth quarter before ABAC surged late to overtake TU in the final minute.
Thomas opened the game with strong offensive rhythm, scoring 17 points in both the first and second quarters and taking a 34–32 lead into halftime. LaTarius Montgomery set the tone early, scoring the game's first basket and continuing as a steady interior presence throughout. Destiny Hill added key production in the first half, highlighted by a three‑pointer in the closing minute of the first quarter.
The Night Hawks found their best stretch in the third period, outscoring ABAC 19–14 while building their largest lead of the day. Hill and Montgomery continued to fuel the offense, combining for decisive baskets in the paint, while Zyi'Kiera King added an early-quarter layup-plus-free-throw to extend the advantage. Thomas' defensive activity also helped create separation, with multiple steals and forced turnovers sparking transition opportunities. TU entered the final period holding a 50–46 lead.
Thomas pushed the margin to nine points at the 9:35 mark of the fourth quarter after a strong drive and finish from Hill. However, ABAC responded with a 24‑13 closing frame behind late shot‑making and free throws, capitalizing on several TU turnovers in the game's final minutes. The Stallions tied the game with 1:51 remaining and then inched in front on a pair of free throws with 1:19 left. Thomas had multiple possessions to answer, but ABAC's defensive pressure produced late steals and held TU without a field goal until the final seconds. A last-second jumper by Hill closed the scoring at 70–66.
Hill led the Night Hawks with 16 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, turning in one of her strongest all-around performances of the season. Montgomery added 18 points and 6 rebounds on 6‑of‑11 shooting, while Ameari Logan contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds. King and Aaliyah Ringold each added perimeter scoring, with Ringold knocking down a key fourth‑quarter three-pointer. As a team, Thomas finished with 36 rebounds, 14 assists, and 21 bench points, while shooting 35.9% from the field.
For ABAC, Shakiria Chaney powered the Stallions with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Reese Riddle added 13 points and Brianna Wimberly chipped in 12. ABAC shot 87.5% at the free‑throw line and converted multiple late trips to the stripe to seal the win.
With the result, Thomas concludes its season at 13–16 overall, showing significant growth under pressure and competitive consistency throughout the spring segment. The Night Hawks will now turn their attention to offseason development in preparation for the 2026–27 campaign.
