NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Millennia Atlantic and SC Central Christian picked up quarterfinal wins on Thursday night to open play in the 2026 New South Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Millennia Atlantic put four players in double figures to hold off a second half rally and defeat Beacon 60-54 in the tournament opener. The Macaws built a 16-point lead early in the second half, only to see the Blazers storm back to take a one-point lead with about five minutes to play in regulation. MAU was able to take advantage at the free throw line to retake the lead and put the game away in the closing minutes. Jada Sinclair led all scorers with 17 points.

In the nightcap, South Carolina Central used a dominant second and third quarter surge to roll past Mid-Atlantic Christian 96-46.

S4C led 15-11 after one quarter before blowing the game open with a 28-point second quarter and a 33-point third, shooting better than 50% in both periods. The Gladiators finished at 45.6% from the field and knocked down 15 3-pointers.

Jataya Brown led a balanced South Carolina Central attack with 19 points on 7-of-8 shooting, including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, while Adriana Henderson added 16 points and nine rebounds. Maia Brown scored 15 points and D’Yonna Barnes and McKenzie Evans added 14 apiece.

MACU was led by senior Carly James, who finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Angelina Bologna added 13 points. The Mustangs shot 28.6% from the floor and committed 36 turnovers while forcing only eight.

Millennia advances to face Atlantis in the semifinals Saturday at noon while SC Central takes on top-seed Apprentice at 2:30 pm.