PLAINVIEW --- The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens delivered a strong all-around performance on Thursday night, defeating Science and Arts 69–60 at home in Plainview behind balanced scoring, tough defense, and clutch free-throw shooting in the closing minutes. The Flying Queens built an early advantage, led at halftime 35–20, and withstood a late push to secure the victory.
Wayland set the tone early, jumping out to a 15–7 lead after the first quarter and continuing to apply pressure in the second.
Cania Mitchell and
Brooklyn Birkenfeld sparked the offense, combining for 18 points in the first half as the Flying Queens shot 60 percent from the field in the second quarter. The defensive effort was just as strong, limiting Science and Arts to 20 first-half points and forcing key turnovers that fueled transition opportunities.
In the second half, the visitors responded with a stronger third quarter, trimming into the lead behind improved shooting and aggressive play in the paint. Despite the momentum shift, Wayland remained composed.
Peyton North and
Jadyn Trusler knocked down timely perimeter shots, while
Zalika Stevens and Birkenfeld battled inside to control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities.
The fourth quarter turned into a battle, but the Flying Queens rose to the moment. Mitchell took control down the stretch, scoring nine points in the final period and consistently getting to the free-throw line. Wayland converted eight of nine free throws in the fourth quarter, closing out the game with poise and confidence. North added a late basket and free throw, and the defense held strong in the final possessions to seal the nine-point win.
Mitchell led all scorers with 20 points, along with 11 rebounds and 11 assists for a triple-double performance. Birkenfeld followed with 18 points and eight rebounds, while
Peyton North provided a spark off the bench with 11 points. Trusler and Stevens each contributed eight points, and the Flying Queens finished with 22 assists on 26 made field goals, highlighting their unselfish offensive approach.
As a team, Wayland shot 45.6 percent from the field and matched Science and Arts with 32 points in the paint, while also winning the rebounding battle 35–29. The Flying Queens' ability to protect the ball, share the basketball, and execute late proved to be the difference.
The Flying Queens will celebrate Senior Day and close out their 2026 regular season on Saturday, February 21
st, when they host the Evangels of Mid-America Christian University at 2:00 PM in the Hutcherson Center.
