(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) — The Pride women’s basketball team rallied from an 11-point halftime deficit but fell to Virginia Wesleyan 63-59 on Sunday at the Methodist University Turkey Shootout. Bianca Richburg recorded her second double-double in as many nights with 22 points and 13 points to aid the rally for Greensboro.
Things looked bleak with 4:52 remaining in the game, as The Pride trailed the Marlins 62-52. However, Greensboro would score seven unanswered points, behind three-point baskets by Jessica Kiernan and Jena Cabe, to pull within 62-59 with 1:31 to go.
A foul on The Pride with 34 ticks left allowed Virginia Wesleyan to tack on a free throw to push the margin to 63-59. Cabe and Richburg both had opportunities on the ensuing possession to keep Greensboro within striking distance but came up empty.
The first 15 minutes of the first half saw ten lead changes and numerous ties as both teams played even. With the game tied at 23-23 with 5:24 on the clock, the Marlins would make the first move behind an 11-0 run to close out the half.
The Pride cut the gap to 48-42 midway through the second frame before Virginia Wesleyan extended the margin back to double digits. Greensboro would not pull to within single digits again until its late push down the stretch.
In addition to Richburg’s game high 22 points, Cabe also contributed 14 points on 5-6 shooting from the field. Alicia Burr narrowly missed giving The Pride three double figure performers with nine points on 4-5 shooting.
Greensboro was outrebounded on the evening 44-40 and committed 28 turnovers compared to 16 for the Marlins.
With the defeat, The Pride drop to 1-2 on the season. Greensboro will open its home slate on Tuesday against Mid-Atlantic Christian. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at Hanes Gym.