CNU USA South Champs after women’s win on Sunday at GC: Pride’s Duncan(Ragsdale) and Pickard(Page) All-Tournament

Greensboro, N.C. — Danielle Duncan (Greensboro, NC/Ragsdale) scored 23 points and grabbed 17 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as Christopher Newport defeated Greensboro College, 53-47, in the USA South championship game.

Duncan had 18 points and nine boards at halftime–leading GC to a 30-27 edge at the break. For the game, she was 7-16 from the field and made 9-11 free throws.

The Pride, however, struggled to shoot and make smart decisions with the ball in the second half. CNU held GC to 16-percent (5-31) shooting in the final 20 minutes. The Pride committed 12 turnovers to six for the visitors in the final period.

Greensboro led until 9:54 remained in regulation. Tournament MVP Chelsie Schweers made a layup to give the Captains a 42-41 lead.

On the next possession, Jada Alvarado (Burlington, NC/River Mill Academy) made a jump shot to give GC its last lead at 43-42. That was The Pride’s last field goal. Then Jessica Moore made a layup to put CNU ahead for good at 44-43. Moore and Davis also earned all-tourney recognition.

Greensboro College had the edge in rebounding, 58-42. Chevena Pickard (Greensboro, NC/Page) had 10 rebounds and eight points. Pickard and Duncan earned all tournament team honors.

The Captains (25-3) earned the automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.

The NCAA will announce on Monday at 3 p.m. when and where GC (26-2) plays in the Division III Championships at www.ncaa.com. The Pride women’s basketball team will gather in the William S. Ariail Hall of Fame Room to watch the selection show. Friends and fans are welcome to join the group.