Paul Quinn Women Hold Off Dillard Behind Brown’s Dominant Double-Double
NEW ORLEANS — Paul Quinn College improved to 6–2 overall and 3–0 in conference play Thursday evening, riding a commanding performance from forward Zaire Brown to a 66–61 road win over Dillard at Dent Hall.
Brown was the clear standout, powering the Lady Tigers with 24 points and 11 rebounds, shooting an efficient 8-for-13 from the field and 8-for-10 at the free-throw line. The senior anchored Paul Quinn on both ends, logging 35 minutes and steadying the offense whenever Dillard threatened.
Paul Quinn and Dillard ended the first quarter tied at 13, but the Tigers created separation in the second behind improved shooting—finishing the half ahead 32–28. Paul Quinn shot 37.7 percent for the game and closed strong, hitting 50 percent of its field goals in the fourth quarter to hold off a late Bleu Devils push.
Guard Cierra Taylor added 12 points and six assists while going 5-for-6 at the line. Aiyana Sam supplied an efficient spark off the bench, contributing 12 points on 4-for-6 shooting and a perfect 4-for-4 from the stripe in 18 minutes.
Dillard (3–6, 0–3) was led by Azaria Knox, who scored 23 points and knocked down two 3-pointers. D'Mya Ferguson posted a strong double-double of her own with 14 points and 14 rebounds, but the Bleu Devils struggled from long range, finishing 3-for-19 from deep.
Paul Quinn won the battle on turnovers—forcing 13 and collecting eight steals—which proved vital down the stretch. The Tigers also controlled second-chance opportunities behind Brown's presence on the boards.
Paul Quinn returns to conference play next week as it looks to extend its early-season momentum.