Paul Quinn Women Close Preseason with 71–60 Win Over McLennan

McPherson Dominates in All-Around Effort

Senior guard Canai McPherson stole the show, scoring a game-high 30 points on 9-of-19 shooting while adding 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. McPherson's ability to attack the rim and finish through contact set the tone for Paul Quinn's offensive rhythm. She was also deadly from the free-throw line, converting 9 of 10 attempts.

Head coach [Name] praised McPherson's leadership after the game, noting, "Canai set the pace from the opening tip. Her energy and composure carried us when the game got tight."

Balanced Support from the Starting Five

Behind McPherson, Paul Quinn showcased a balanced starting lineup.

• Cierra Taylor contributed 10 points, 3 assists, and 3 steals, orchestrating the Tigers' fast-paced offense.
• Forward Zaire Brown added 11 points and drew multiple fouls inside, finishing 5-for-8 from the line.
• Emery Black delivered a steady performance with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Tyla Roberts added 4 points and 4 boards in 25 minutes.
  Off the bench, Nyah Morgan provided crucial rebounding, posting 6 points and 9 rebounds in a strong 19-minute outing.

Defense and Efficiency Seal the Win

The Tigers' defensive intensity was a difference-maker, forcing McLennan into 28 turnovers that translated into 20 Paul Quinn points. The home team also held the Highlanders to 26.0% shooting from the field and just 18.2% from three-point range.

Although McLennan outrebounded Paul Quinn 61–39, the Tigers' discipline and ability to convert at the free-throw line (21-of-27, 77.8%) allowed them to maintain control. Paul Quinn also recorded 12 steals and limited McLennan to 10 assists for the game.

McLennan's Effort Falls Short

For the Highlanders, Lanaijha Johnson led the team with 12 points and 6 rebounds, while Tajenae Gooden added 11 points and 6 assists despite shooting struggles (2-for-13). Forward Danai Lewis was a force on the boards, collecting 8 rebounds and 7 points, but McLennan's overall shooting woes proved too much to overcome.

Game Flow

Paul Quinn started strong, taking a 21–16 lead after the first quarter and expanding the margin to 43–26 at halftime. McLennan fought back in the third, outscoring the Tigers 19–11, but McPherson and Taylor steadied the ship in the final frame to close out the double-digit win.

By the Numbers

• FG%: PQC 37.7%, MCC 26.0%
• 3PT%: PQC 20.0%, MCC 18.2%
• FT%: PQC 77.8%, MCC 75.0%
• Turnovers: PQC 25, MCC 28
• Rebounds: PQC 39, MCC 61
• Steals: PQC 12, MCC 14
• Points in Paint: Both teams 28

Looking Ahead

The Tigers now shift their focus to their regular-season opener against Arlington Baptist University, where they'll look to build on their offensive chemistry and defensive grit shown in this final scrimmage.

With McPherson in midseason form and strong support from veterans like Taylor and Black, Paul Quinn appears ready to make noise in the HBCUAC this season.

Final Score: Paul Quinn 71, McLennan 60
Location: Paul Quinn College, Dallas, TX • Attendance: 374
Next Game: Paul Quinn vs. Arlington Baptist — October 25, 2025