RALEIGH, NC – The William Peace University women's basketball team stormed back to erase a double-digit lead in the final minute of their USA South opener against North Carolina Wesleyan Tuesday night, but the Pacers came up just short of scratching out a dramatic, come-from-behind victory.
The Pacers (4-3, 0-1 USAS) found themselves down by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter and trailed by 10 (63-53) with 59 seconds to go. WPU cut it as close as two with a few ticks remaining, but the Battling Bishops (3-2, 1-0 USAS) held on to win, 65-62.
"I thought we made a great comeback, but we had a few lapses and way too many turnovers," said head coach
Kelly Johnson. "I told the team that especially in conference games, you have to stay focused and play the whole 40 minutes. I think they realize we can compete in the league from a talent standpoint, but it's the teams that execute and play through the tough times that come away with the win more often than not."
WPU went 27-of-68 (39.7%) from the field, nearly identical to Wesleyan's shooting night, but the Pacers didn't hit a three-pointer the entire game and took less free-throws than the Bishops made (8-of-15, 17-of-27). The Pacers cleaned up on the glass, especially in the second half, out-rebounding the Bishops, 46-39, which included 23 offensive boards for 27 second chance points. WPU coughed it up 28 times though, leading to 24 points at the other end for the Bishops.
Freshman
Hannah Ericksen had a breakout performance for the Pacers with 14 points, 11 rebounds and a pair of blocked shots her first career double-double.
Brittany Boykin notched 11 points, two rebounds, and assist and two steals.
Cassidy Clark also finished in double-figures with 10 points, while
Lakeia Jones added eight points and eight boards.
For Wesleyan, Alexis Fitzgerald matched Ericksen's game high 14 points. Cherelle Turrentine and Jermaiyah Baker scored 10 points apiece. Kenyata Harris was a point shy of a double-double with nine points and 11 boards.
The WPU women's basketball team has over a week off for exams before taking the court again, traveling to face Randolph College on Sunday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m.
