MONTGOMERY (Interstat) — Huntingdon used a decisive second-quarter run and a balanced offense to defeat Southeastern Baptist 68-40 in a non-divisional women’s NCAA Division III basketball game Wednesday at Catherine Dixon Roland Arena. The Hawks improved to 1-2 this season before an announced attendance of 60. Southeastern Baptist was the visiting team.

Southeastern Baptist stayed close early. Huntingdon opened with layups from Kennedi McCray, Kiersten Haynes and Kiya Crayton, while Southeastern Baptist answered with Breyonce Jim’s jumper and Takaylen Dean’s three-point play. Abby Byrd made two free throws for the Hawks, and Jakyiah Ashford hit two late 3-pointers to bring the visitors within 12-11 after the first quarter. The Hawks then took control in the second quarter. Taff Bradley hit four 3-pointers in the period, including consecutive shots from beyond the arc, and Kennedi McCray, Kiya Crayton and Abby Byrd each scored inside as Huntingdon outscored Southeastern Baptist 27-8 in the quarter. Kam Gaines added a layup and two free throws, while Southeastern Baptist’s second-quarter scoring came on Jiar Henry’s 3-pointer, Dean’s free throw, Ashford’s two free throws and Mari Phillips’s layup. The Hawks led 39-19 at halftime.

Southeastern Baptist opened the third quarter with a Breyonce Jim layup, but Huntingdon answered with layups from Dalyce Sanders, McCray and Sanders again to stretch its lead. Abby Byrd made two free throws, and Katlyn Mathis added a free throw and a layup for the Hawks. Mari Phillips and Ashford helped Southeastern Baptist chip away, with Ashford hitting another 3-pointer and Phillips converting a three-point play. Nia English made a layup and Azlynn Morano made two free throws for Southeastern Baptist in the quarter. Kaylee Putnam made two free throws late in the quarter, and the Hawks carried a 58-34 advantage into the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth, Crayton made a layup, Phillips answered with a jumper, Crayton scored again, and Jim made two free throws before Henry’s jumper cut the deficit to 62-40. Huntingdon closed the game with layups from Crayton and Ericka Hall. The Hawks finished with a 68-40 victory. Southeastern Baptist’s Ashford finished with three 3-pointers, while Dean scored on a three-point play, Jim scored inside and from the free-throw line, Phillips added a layup and three-point play, Henry hit a 3-pointer and a jumper, and Morano and English contributed late free throws and a layup.

Huntingdon scored 68 points from 71 possessions, an offensive rating of 95.7. The Hawks had 31 offensive rebounds, 14 assists, two blocks and 14 turnovers. Southeastern Baptist scored 11 points in the first quarter, 8 in the second, 15 in the third and 6 in the fourth; Huntingdon scored 12, 27, 19 and 10 by quarter. Kam Gaines had six points and 11 rebounds. Kiya Crayton scored 13 points and added five rebounds. Kennedi McCray finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, four assists and one block. Abby Byrd contributed 10 points, seven rebounds and one assist. Taff Bradley scored 14 points and made four 3-pointers. Kaylee Putnam added seven rebounds, Kiersten Haynes had four rebounds and three assists, Tamia Williams grabbed four rebounds, Jailyn Davis had four rebounds and Jameria Green recorded a block. Gaines’ 11 rebounds led the Hawks on the glass.

Huntingdon had lost to Millsaps 63-53 and at Berry 48-46 earlier this season. The Hawks next host Oglethorpe, visit Sewanee, host Berea and Southeastern Baptist, then host Pensacola Christian, MUW and Toccoa Falls before road games at Agnes Scott, Maryville (TN) and Piedmont. Huntingdon’s next 10 games include seven home dates and three road contests. The Hawks’ record now stands at 1-2.