From Elizabethton Star

BREVARD, N.C.— The Milligan Lady Buffaloes captured a big road win and moved into sole possession of first place in the Appalachian Athletic Conference by knocking off Brevard 80-69 on Thursday night.

Milligan (6-1, 8-6) placed four players in double figures led by Leah Anderson’s 16 points. Kari Stout added 15, Rikki Baughman 13 and Leah Seevers 11 for the Lady Buffs.

Baughman also contributed 11 rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots in the win.

Milligan held a slim 31-28 lead at the break, but caught fire by outscoring the Tornados 49-41 in the second half. The Lady Buffs shot 43 percent from the field, but connected on 10-of-25 from behind the three-point circle.

Megan Russell had a game-high 17 for Brevard (3-5, 3-10) while Holly Krogman and Miranda Horne added 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Milligan travels to Montreat on Saturday for a conference matchup with the Lady Cavaliers.

Brevard (men) 57

Milligan 48

Milligan had trouble with the Tornado zone, dropping a nine-point contest at Brevard. The Buffaloes (2-5, 7-7) played without starting guards Yony Kifle and Tino Washington, along with key reserve Tony Brogan.

Kifle is scheduled for an MRI later in the week. The Buffs were also without head coach Tony Wallingford, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season after colon surgery.

The game was close for most of the way, with Brevard holding a six-point lead at intermission. The two biggest factors in the contest proved to be free throws and offensive rebounds.

Brevard (2-6, 4-12) outrebounded Milligan 15-10 on the offensive end and shot 12-of-18 from the foul line while the Buffs were a measly 3-of-7.

Tyler Estepp had a career-high 16 points for Milligan while Adam Hughes tossed in 10. Jeff Barnes pulled down a dozen rebounds in a losing cause. Zach Dezarn and Adrian Harrison were held to two and five points, respectively, after combining for 50 points in Saturday’s win over Berea.

Jared Ramsey paced the Tornadoes with 17 while Rayshaun Johnson tossed in 13.

Milligan will travel to Montreat on Saturday for a conference showdown with the Cavaliers.