Lee and Branch Lead Shorthanded Lady Bulldogs to Victory

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Sophomore  Kayla Lee delivered a standout performance with 28 points, and Ari Branch achieved a career-high 22 points, propelling the Fisk University Lady Bulldogs to an 81-75 victory over the University of Mobile Rams in the Stillman Classic. The win marks Fisk's best season start in the 21st century, improving their record to 2-0 and avenging a prior Homecoming loss to Mobile, a team that reached the NAIA postseason last year.

The matchup remained close through the first three quarters, but Fisk pulled ahead with a decisive 13-3 run to close out the third period and managed to maintain their lead in the final stretch. For the second consecutive game, Kayla Lee led all scorers. However, Ari Branch played a crucial role in stepping up for the Lady Bulldogs, who were missing starters Ish Suttington and Sariyah Williams, as well as Harmonie Bolton, who was sidelined with a lower body injury sustained against Brewton-Parker.

Freshmen Jayla Hawkins and Amaria Walker also made significant contributions, scoring 11 and 9 points, respectively. Fisk dominated the boards with a 49-41 rebounding edge, led by Kennedi Wagner's 11 rebounds.

Despite the victory, Head Coach Victoria Crawford expressed some concern over the team's 31 turnovers, noting that Kayla Lee was responsible for ten of them. Crawford also wasn't happy about how her team closed the game out in both games. Lee's three-point basket made the score 81-65 with 51 seconds left. Mobile finished the quarter, scoring the final ten points. On Friday, they went up by seven in the final minute after two made free throws by Lee, then had to hold on to a three-point win.

. "We have to clean that up," Crawford commented, emphasizing the need to reduce mistakes, especially in tight games. I am confident that we will work hard at finishing games the right way."

Game Highlights

• Kayla Lee: 28 points, led all scorers for the second straight game
• Ari Branch: Career-high 22 points, key role in shorthanded lineup
• Freshmen contributions: Branch, Jayla Hawkins (11 points), Amaria Walker (9 points)
• Rebounding: Fisk out-rebounded Mobile 49-41, with Kennedi Wagner grabbing 11 boards
• Team turnovers: 31, with Kayla Lee accounting for ten
• Game-defining run: 13-3 burst to close the third quarter
• Best season start for Fisk in the 21st century

 NEXT UP: The Lady Bulldogs will travel to Alabama to take on the University of North Alabama on Thursday.