Milligan College, Tenn. (Nov. 18, 2009) --- The Milligan College Lady Buffs started AAC play on a winning note as they knocked off Montreat College 73-62 at Steve Lacey Field House.

In the first half, the Lady Buffs overcame a quick Lady Cavaliers start, but came back to take a 40-29 lead entering half time after trailing 14-5 in the early minutes. The Lady Buffs forced nine turnovers with a tough full court press that helped turn the tide into the Lady Buffs favor.

Milligan controlled the second half with their 3-point shooting as Montreat could only cut the gap to eight points. The Lady Buffs were 4-of-5 from behind the arc in the second half and was 9-of-18 for the game.

Sophomore Alisha Mainer (Flag Pond, Tenn.) led the way with 13 points and six rebounds, while junior Heather Mandela (Fairfax, Va.) had her sixth double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Freshman Victoria Daily (Knoxville, Tenn.) and sophomore Samantha Blevins (Spruce Pine, N.C.) each added nine points for the Lady Buffs.

“We made some really good decisions there in the last minute and a half when we needed to,” said Milligan Head Coach Rich Aubrey. “Another thing I liked that I feel like we really caught on to is that we played with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Our bench was alive the whole game. We had a big comeback win on Monday and I feel was the key ingredient and I felt like our players really stepped that up tonight.”

The Lady Buffs travel to UVA-Wise on Saturday afternoon for a 5:30pm tipoff.