Milligan College, Tenn. (Nov. 12, 2009) --- The Milligan College women's basketball team received their first loss in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse this season, as the Golden Tigers of Brenau (Ga.) University edged the Lady Buffs 89-79 Thursday night.  

Despite a dozen turnovers in the first half, the Lady Buffs held a 44-42 lead at intermission. After the break, Milligan fell behind early and failed to convert on their looks from beyond the arc, as they shot just 2-for-9 in the closer. Brenau's 28-for-64 shooting night was all Milligan could handle with the Golden Tigers handing the Lady Buffs their second loss of the year.  

Once again, Milligan was pace by the double-double performance of junior center Heather Mandela (Fairfax, Va.), which is her third of the year. Mandela recorded 30 points and 13 rebounds in the contest, and currently leads the nation in total scoring (127) and total rebounds (63). Former Hilltopper Jaimee Hill (Johnson City, Tenn.) pitched in nine points and six rebounds, while sophomore Alisha Mainer (Flag Pond, Tenn.) also had nine points.  

“I am disappointed with our performance tonight,” commented Head Coach Rich Aubrey. “The amount of turnovers in the first half did not allow us to really gain any cushion. I feel that if we would have taken care of business in the first half we would have left ourselves a little margin for error in the second.” 

With the loss, the Lady Buffs slip to 4-2 on the year, while Brenau improves to 2-0.  

Milligan travels to the Concord Classic in Athens, W.V., on Nov. 16 and 17. The Lady Buffs open up with the host school, Concord University, Sunday at 6 p.m., and conclude with Fairmont State on Monday at 4 p.m.