Austin College Captures SCAC Hoops Crown

CONWAY, Ark. - The Austin College women's basketball team secured the 2026 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship with a 55-44 victory over tournament host Hendrix College on Sunday afternoon at Grove Gymnasium, with first-year head coach Olivia Hunt bringing home the program's second SCAC Tournament crown, and the first since the 2019-20 campaign. The 'Roos are now 16-11 and will head to the NCAA Tournament, with dates, opponents, and location to be determined.

Brooklyn Matthews led the 'Roos with a team-high 16 points, adding five rebounds and five steals. Avory Miller, who was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player, delivered 15 points and three steals, while Maya Dodson contributed 10 points and five rebounds. Trinity Williams anchored the team with a strong all-around performance, tallying seven points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Chloey-Rei Brown led Hendrix with a game-high 19 points and added six rebounds. Bella Cates connected on a trio of three-pointers to finish with 12 points, and Riley Brady controlled the glass with a game-high 12 rebounds to go along with six points.

Austin College emerged from a low-scoring first quarter with a 9-7 lead, capped by a jumper from Matthews with 23 seconds remaining in the period. Hendrix found its offensive rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring the 'Roos 20-12 to take a 27-21 lead into the halftime break. A fast-break layup by Brown at the 1:34 mark of the second quarter gave Hendrix a 25-19 advantage, highlighting the hosts' strong period.

The 'Roos responded in the third quarter, holding Hendrix to just seven points. Miller provided a crucial layup with just eight seconds left in the third to tie the game at 34-34 heading into the final frame.

Austin College took complete control in the fourth quarter, outscoring Hendrix 21-10 to secure the championship. Miller gave the 'Roos the lead for good with a jumper at the 9:32 mark, making the score 36-34. Matthews later extended the lead to 40-34 with a layup at the 5:51 mark, and Miller effectively put the game out of reach with a clutch three-pointer with 1:32 remaining to push the Austin College advantage to 49-39.

Defensive pressure was key for Austin College, as the team recorded 14 steals and forced 19 Hendrix turnovers throughout the contest. The 'Roos also dominated inside, outscoring Hendrix 34-24 in the paint, while the Austin College bench provided a massive 17-2 scoring advantage over the Hendrix reserves, with Dodson contributing 10 of those points.

Along with Miller being tabbed the 2026 SCAC Tournament MVP, Matthews and Dodson were also named All-Tournament performers.