Meadowview, Va. – The King University women's basketball team tipped off its 2026-27 season in style, earning a hard-fought 80-74 win over Emory & Henry in the home opener on Monday night at the King Center.
Game recap
The Tornado came out firing, posting a 29-point first quarter behind sharp shooting and aggressive play. King built an early lead, but Emory & Henry battled back in the second quarter to take a narrow 47-45 edge into halftime. The third quarter proved decisive, as the Tornado clamped down defensively and outscored the Wasps 19-11 to reclaim momentum heading into the final period. King closed strong, holding off several late surges by Emory & Henry to seal the victory in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
Senior forward Alayna Smith led the way for King with a dominant 26-point, 8-rebound performance on 10-of-16 shooting. Emma Larios caught fire from beyond the arc, tallying 19 points and connecting on three triples. Samantha Lee added 15 points, including four three-pointers, while Aliyah Hawkins filled the stat sheet with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. King showcased its depth and ball movement, racking up 19 assists as a team and forcing 11 steals.
Emory & Henry kept the game close behind balanced scoring from Bailey Rider (14 points), Gracyn Hall (12) and Tori West (11). The Wasps shot an efficient 47.4 percent from the field but were unable to match King's clutch shooting and defensive pressure down the stretch.
Game information
- Final: King (Tenn.) 80, Emory & Henry 74
- Location: King Center, Meadowview, Va.
- Attendance: 347
Key stats
- King shot 50.0 percent from the field (29-58), 39.1 percent from three (9-23) and 72.2 percent at the free-throw line (13-18).
- King: Alayna Smith – 26 pts, 8 reb; Emma Larios – 19 pts, 5 reb; Samantha Lee – 15 pts, 2 ast; Aliyah Hawkins – 9 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast.
- Emory & Henry: Bailey Rider – 14 pts, 3 reb; Gracyn Hall – 12 pts, 2 reb; Tori West – 11 pts, 3 reb.