Bristol, TN – The Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Basketball team emphatically closed the 2025 calendar year with a 79-53 victory over King University, demonstrating a dominant performance that signals a strong finish to their non-conference schedule and builds momentum heading into SAC play. This win isn’t simply about adding another checkmark to the win column; it’s about solidifying a team identity built on rebounding prowess and defensive intensity – traits that will be crucial as they navigate a competitive conference landscape.
- Dominant Rebounding: Lenoir-Rhyne controlled the boards with a staggering 65 rebounds, showcasing a clear advantage in physicality and effort.
- Balanced Scoring Attack: Aaliyah El and Abigail Brown continue to lead the charge offensively, but the emergence of Ralee Bare’s all-around game (her first double-double) provides valuable depth.
- Defensive Lockdown: Holding King to just six points in the second quarter is a testament to the Bears’ defensive capabilities and ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Deep Dive: Building on Non-Conference Success
The Bears finish their non-conference schedule with an 8-4 record, a significant improvement over previous years. This 4-2 record against non-conference opponents, including a third road win, demonstrates a growing resilience and ability to perform in challenging environments. The series victory over King (now 5-1 all-time) continues a trend of dominance in this matchup, averaging 83.0 points in their four non-conference contests. However, the shooting percentages (36.6% from the field) still indicate room for improvement in offensive consistency. The high number of turnovers (36 combined) is also an area the team will need to address to minimize wasted possessions.
The performance of Ralee Bare is particularly noteworthy. Her stat line of 26 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and 12 steals in just three games highlights her versatility and impact on both ends of the court. She’s quickly becoming a key component of the Bears’ success, providing a spark off the bench and contributing in multiple facets of the game.
Forward Look: Preparing for SAC Competition
The real test begins now. The South Atlantic Conference (SAC) is consistently ranked among the most competitive Division II conferences in the nation. The Bears will open 2026 with a home game against Newberry (8-3, 2-3 SAC) on January 7th. Newberry, coming off a win against Anderson, presents an immediate challenge. Their 2-3 SAC record suggests they are a team capable of competing at a high level, and the Bears will need to bring their A-game to secure a victory.
The key to success in the SAC will be maintaining the defensive intensity displayed against King and improving offensive efficiency. If Lenoir-Rhyne can consistently control the rebounding battle and limit turnovers, they are well-positioned to make a strong push for a conference championship. The January 7th matchup against Newberry will be a crucial early indicator of their potential and a chance to set the tone for the remainder of the season. Expect a closely contested game, with rebounding and guard play being the deciding factors.
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