Box Score Raleigh, NC -- William Peace University women's basketball team fell to Mary Baldwin University 68-54. The Pacers and the Fighting Squirrels would battle back-and-forth at the start of the game, with MBU heading into halftime with a 32-20 lead. Mary Baldwin would finish with a strong fourth quarter to secure the win.

THE BASICS

• Final score: William Peace 54, Mary Baldwin 68 
• Records: William Peace (3-3, 3-3), Mary Baldwin (2-4, 2-4)
• Location: Staunton, VA

HOW IT HAPPENED 

• Jaymesha Sanders and Sydney Austin put the Pacers in the lead at the start of the first quarter as the team led 4-2. As the first quarter continued, both teams struggled to find momentum but Sydney Austin brought the game to an 8-8 tie with a few shots from the foul line. At the end of the first quarter, MBU would fight back to lead 13-8.
• The second quarter started out with Sydney Austin making a layup as the Pacers trailed 15-10. MBU continued to put up strong defense as the Pacers attempted to find scoring opportunities. Almost halfway through the game, Tatianna Occena and Cierra Baker both made jump shots as the Pacers trailed 24-16. The Pacers were playing hard to get back on top, ending the second quarter 32-20 with MBU in the lead.
• Jaymesha Sanders and Cierra Baker started the third quarter with two layups as WPU trailed 32-24. Sanders would get to the foul line and make a drive under the net to close the gap to just 35-30, with Sydney Austin's jump shot bringing the score to 35-32. Mary Baldwin would then go on a 16-point run to end the quarter leading 51-36.
• The fourth quarter started out with Stephanie Chandler making two free throws and a layup as WPU trailed 53-38. Almost halfway through the fourth quarter, Kiera Williams made a few shots from the foul line as MBU led 64-41. The Pacers were unable to make an offensive push as the Fighting Squirrels put up a defensive wall, and the Pacers would fall 68-54.

PACER TOP PERFORMERS

• Sydney Austin had a total of 16 points as she went from 6 for 13 the field.
• Jaymesha Sanders tallied 12 total points and 5 rebounds.

FOR THE FOES

• Jalen Gathers led Mary Baldwin with 18 points.
• Nicole Mallon had 8 rebounds and 10 points.

STATS OF THE GAME

• The Pacers shot at 32.8% from the field.
• WPU grabbed 35 rebounds.

NEXT GAME
The Pacers will host Meredith College at 7:30PM on February 5th.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: gopeacepacers.com, Facebook, or follow the Pacers on Instagram and Twitter at @gopeacepacers.