COLUMBIA, S.C. - The Allen University women's basketball team cruised to an easy 77-43 win over visiting Paine College on Saturday afternoon in the team's home opener.

Allen got off to a quick start leading 23-9 after the first quarter before leading 38-21 at the break holding Paine to just six made baskets and under 30 percent shooting for the game.

AU then rolled Paine in the third quarter holding the Lions to just 7 points as Allen outscored them 24-7 to lead 62-28 going into the fourth. The teams just traded baskets in the fourth with the reserves in the game as they grabbed the win by 34 points. Allen finished shooting 38 percent from the field and 75 from the free-throw line while holding Paine to just 20 percent shooting for the game.

Allen was led by senior guard Kash Hankerson's 18 points, 4 steals and 10 free throws while junior forward JuJu Harrington led AU with a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds. Junior guard Mya Johnson also had a solid game as she finished in double-digit points with 14 along with 4 assists.

Junior forward Tahliah Wesley had 9 points and 4 steals while senior G/F Jaida Reddin added 4 steals, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Sophomore Forwards Kourtney English and Kasey Smith also combined for 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals.


Allen will next be in action on Monday evening for a quick turnaround when they travel to nearby Claflin University for a 5:30 pm tip.