Dillard Edges Rust in a Nail-Biter: A Clash of Grit and Determination

TUSCALOOSA,AL– In an intense showdown on February 28, 2025, held in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Dillard University (LA) narrowly defeated Rust College (MS) with a final score of 59-57. The game was fiercely contested from start to finish, showcasing a mix of resilience and strategic play from both teams.

The first quarter saw Dillard take a slight edge over Rust, finishing 17-14. However, Rust clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring Dillard 15-13, which brought the halftime score to a close 30-29 in favor of Dillard. The third quarter mirrored the competitive nature of the first half, with Rust slightly outpacing Dillard 11-10, setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter.

In the final minutes, Dillard managed to outscore Rust 19-17, sealing their victory by a mere two points. Despite their efforts, Rust couldn't quite tip the balance in their favor, culminating in a hard-fought 59-57 loss.

**Key Performers**

Patsy Johnson of Rust was a standout performer, tallying 27 points, including five successful three-pointers from ten attempts. Her contribution was critical in keeping Rust competitive throughout the game. Amber Scott also contributed significantly, leading the team in rebounds with nine.

For Dillard, D'Mya Ferguson was instrumental, scoring 13 points and dominating the boards with 15 rebounds. Cassidy Lowe also made her presence felt with a double-double, achieving 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Skyler Christmas added 14 points to bolster Dillard's scoring.

Dillard shot 36.8% from the field compared to Rust's 30.9%. Dillard also dominated the boards, securing 54 rebounds against Rust's 36, a factor that significantly contributed to their victory. However, Rust had a better free-throw percentage at 75.0% compared to Dillard's 62.5%.

The game was marked by a technical foul against Rust's Patsy Johnson, but it did not overshadow her outstanding performance. Dillard's ability to maintain composure and capitalize on their rebounding advantage was crucial in securing their 18th win of the season, bringing their record to 18-8. Rust, now with a 12-16 record, will look to refine their strategies as they prepare for future challenges.

This matchup highlighted the competitive spirit and skill on both sides, and advanced Dillard to the semifinals of the HBCUAC Women's Basketball Championship where they will take on Wiley University.

-Bleu Devils-