Amaya Burch leads the Yellow Jackets with 20 points and six steals as Allen rallies from a 19-point deficit.
DUE WEST, S.C. (November 11, 2026) – The Allen University women's basketball team displayed tremendous resilience in its 2026–27 season opener Wednesday evening, overcoming a 19-point deficit before falling in heartbreaking fashion to Erskine College, 78–76, at Belk Arena.
Despite trailing by 16 points at halftime, the Yellow Jackets battled back with an impressive second-half performance, outscoring the Flying Fleet 50–36 over the final two quarters before a late three-pointer secured the victory for Erskine.
Burch Leads the Yellow Jackets
Amaya Burch led Allen's offensive attack with a team-high 20 points, six rebounds, and six steals, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and connecting on eight free throws. Mariah Scott added 15 points, three assists, and three steals, while Alisa Ortiz contributed 12 points, connecting on four three-pointers. Off the bench, Veyoni Davis provided nine points, while Myla Gibson added six points and nine rebounds. Aerilynn Young anchored the Yellow Jackets on the boards, pulling down a team-high 10 rebounds.
Yellow Jackets Mount Impressive Comeback
Erskine jumped out to a 19–16 advantage after the opening quarter before extending its lead to 42–26 at halftime. The Flying Fleet built a 19-point advantage during the second quarter, but Allen refused to back down.
The Yellow Jackets came out with renewed energy in the third quarter, tightening their defense and forcing turnovers to spark their comeback. Allen outscored Erskine 22–12 in the period, cutting the deficit to just six points, 54–48, entering the final quarter.
Allen continued its momentum in the fourth, opening with a 7–0 run to take a 55–54 lead following a fast-break layup by Davis with 8:04 remaining.
The teams exchanged leads before Allen pushed ahead 68–62 on a Scott layup with 4:38 remaining. Erskine answered with timely three-point shooting to keep the contest close.
With 1:36 left, Young converted a basket to give Allen a 76–72 advantage. However, Erskine responded with six unanswered points, including a go-ahead three-pointer by Cameron Oliver with nine seconds remaining, to escape with the 78–76 victory.
By the Numbers
Allen finished the contest shooting 42.4% from the field, including 35.3% from beyond the arc. The Yellow Jackets also recorded 39 rebounds, 15 steals, and 34 points in the paint.
Allen's offense came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 28 points while shooting an impressive 61.1% from the field and connecting on three of four three-point attempts.
Erskine was led by Danielle Oliver with 15 points, while Ty Johnson added 14 points. Genesis Young pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds.
Looking Ahead
Although the Yellow Jackets opened the season with a narrow defeat, their second-half comeback demonstrated the team's determination, offensive potential, and ability to compete under pressure.
Allen Women's Basketball will look to bounce back when the Yellow Jackets travel to face the University of South Carolina Beaufort on Tuesday, November 17, at 5:30 p.m.
For the latest news, scores, and updates on Allen University Athletics, visit AUYellowJackets.com.
