The Paine College women’s basketball team claimed the 2026 NCCAA Division I South Regional Championship with a 98–77 victory over Virginia University of Lynchburg on Thursday, March 5 at the HEAL Complex.
The Lady Lions will head to Missouri for the 2026 NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Tournament, scheduled for March 18–21, according to the Paine College Athletics website.
Paine took control of the championship matchup early, the website continued, opening the game with a strong first quarter to take a 28–12 lead. They held onto the momentum into the second quarter and widened the margin between the two teams, heading into the half with a 50-29 lead.
Ayva Tillmon led the Lady Lions with 38 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, with Kyra McCrary scoring 17 points with 16 rebounds; Adia Dormu added 16 points, 7 rebounds, 7 steals; Nina Solomon had 12 points, 5 assists and Leia Brown chalked up 9 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.
It was the most points the Lady Lions scored in a single game all season. Their previous high came against Toccoa Falls College 92-56 on Feb. 10.
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