Paul Quinn Falls Just Short 86–83, to North American
DALLAS, Texas (Nov. 4, 2025) – The Paul Quinn College women’s basketball team opened its 2025–26 season with a thrilling but narrow 86–83 loss to North American University on Tuesday night at the Health and Wellness Center. Despite an impressive offensive performance from several Tigers, a late push by the Stallions secured the visitors’ second win of the year. Paul Quinn (0–1, 0–1) went toe-to-toe with a sharp North American (2–0, 1–0) squad in a game that featured 12 lead changes and high-efficiency shooting from both teams. Each side shot an identical 48.6% from the field, but North American’s defensive pressure and points off turnovers ultimately proved decisive.
Star Performers Shine in a Tight Contest
Junior forward Zaire Brown led the Tigers with a dominant 26-point, 11-rebound double-double, shooting 13-of-18 from the field. Brown's presence inside powered Paul Quinn to a 52–48 advantage in points in the paint.
Guard Cierra Taylor added 22 points and five assists, connecting on 9-of-14 shots and hitting a pair of three-pointers. Sophomore guard Canai McPherson provided a spark off the bench with 16 points and five assists, while Tamia Dolls chipped in 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Despite the strong individual efforts, turnovers haunted Paul Quinn, as the team committed 28 turnovers, leading to 29 North American points.
North American's Balanced Attack
North American displayed excellent ball movement and balance on offense, finishing with 24 assists on 35 made baskets.
Guard Jerkayla Dickey paced the Stallions with 23 points and nine rebounds, while senior guard Savannah Velazquez filled the stat sheet with 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, and seven steals in a stellar all-around performance.
Reserve guard Aliyah Solis was a key difference-maker, adding 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. Maurdaisha Powell also flirted with a double-double, finishing with 10 points and nine assists.
How It Unfolded
The Tigers started slowly, trailing 18–15 after the first quarter, but roared back in the second with a 26-point effort to take a 41–38 halftime lead. Brown and Taylor combined for 28 points in the opening half, energizing the home crowd.
Paul Quinn extended its momentum in the third quarter, shooting a red-hot 71.4% from the field to maintain a slim 67–62 advantage entering the fourth. However, North American's defense turned up the intensity in the final frame, forcing key turnovers and converting them into fast-break points during an 8–0 run that flipped the game late.
Despite a final push from Taylor and Brown in the closing minutes, the Stallions hit free throws down the stretch to seal the 86–83 win.
By the Numbers
- Field Goal %: Both teams 48.6%
- 3-Point %: Paul Quinn 15.0%, North American 36.4%
- Free Throw %: Paul Quinn 75.0%, North American 60.0%
- Rebounds: Paul Quinn 43, North American 34
- Turnovers: Paul Quinn 28, North American 19
- Points off Turnovers: NAU 29, PQC 22
Looking Ahead
Paul Quinn will look to regroup and build on the positives from its offensive performance as it continues non-conference play later this week. Head coach [Name, if known] will hope the Tigers can tighten up ball security and continue to capitalize on their size and rebounding strength inside.