RALEIGH -- The William Peace University women's basketball team was defeated by N.C. Wesleyan, 80-76, in the team's regular season finale on Sunday. The Pacers finish the year with a 16-8 record and 8-6 in conference.

The Pacers were ahead for most of the game but the Battling Bishops hung around for too long. The Pacers looked to push their lead late in the fourth quarter when N.C. Wesleyan was called for a technical foul, but the foul only gave the Bishops more determination in upsetting the Pacers.

William Peace was plagued by offensive rebounds. The Bishops ended with 28 offensive rebounds, while the Pacers finished with a combined total of 32 rebounds. The Bishops won the rebounding battle by 22.

N.C. Wesleyan made free throws in the final minute and grabbed offensive rebounds to not allow the Pacers possessions.

Nadine Ealey finished with 21 points and Makayla Ray earned a double-double with 18 points and 11 boards. Whitney Walker and Susannah Sykes each finished with 10 points.

The Pacers will compete in the USA South Women's Basketball Tournament on Saturday and will rematch N.C. Wesleyan.