RALEIGH, N.C. –
Tanaesha Ellison was the biggest bright spot for William Peace against Methodist on Wednesday.
The junior guard poured in a game-high 27 points for the Pacers, who lost 100-74 in a USA South women's basketball contest at the Hermann Athletic Center. She was two points shy of her season-high of 29 against Virginia Wesleyan in November 2023.
The USA South leading scorer and rebounder, Ellison was 7 of 14 from the floor and 13 of 15 from the free throw line. She added five rebounds, two steals and one block.
Nautica Smiley added 15 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the Pacers, who dropped to 1-4 in the USA South and 3-8 overall.
Allye Woodruff finished with 12 points and four steals while
Ja'Naisja Baker and
Brene'a Daye each chipped in nine points for William Peace, which recorded 14 steals and forced 24 turnovers. The Pacers outscored the Monarchs 35-25 in turnover points.
Led by Ellison's free throw shooting, the Pacers were 22 of 29 from the charity stripe for 75.9 percent but could not overcome 36.7 percent shooting from the floor. They were outrebounded 43-27 and outscored 19-9 in second chance points.
Ellison, who scored 20 first-half points, was part of a 9-2 second-period run which cut the Monarchs' lead to eight points in the first half. Daye started the run with a three-pointer followed by a Monarchs' bucket. Baker added a free throw, Ellison scored on a layup and Daye hit another trey to close the Pacers within 40-32.
After a timeout, the Monarchs responded with a run of their own to push the lead back to double digits at halftime (55-39). The lead never dipped under 11 points again.
Aniyah Tate scored 24 points for the Monarchs, who improved to 4-1 in the USA South and 7-4 overall. Kiley Hicks added 17 points.
The Pacers are back at home on Saturday, Jan. 6, in a USA South matchup against Mary Baldwin at the Hermann Athletic Center. Tipoff is 2 p.m.
