Women’s Basketball Clinches First Round Bye With Victory Over Pacers
courtesy of GC SID Wes Gullett
GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College women’s basketball team held off a second-half rush by the Pacers of William Peace University to record a 70-61 win Friday, securing a first-round bye in the upcoming USA South Athletic Conference Tournament.
Despite a sloppy first three minutes by both teams, Greensboro was able to establish a 10-2 lead four minutes into the ball game before taking a 17-9 lead into the second period. Katie Lewis(Southeast Guilford High School), who finished with a team-high 27 points, scored the first four points of the Pride run before Lauren Jenkins and Shaniah Haynes combined for the final six.
After taking the eight-point advantage into the second, the Greensboro offense came to life over the first 7:37 of the period and used a 25-2 run to take their largest lead of the contest at 42-11 with just under three minutes remaining until halftime.
During the run, Greensboro connected on 10-of-17 attempts from the field, with Lewis leading the way, while forcing the Pacers into eight turnovers.
Greensboro then took a 44-20 lead into the break, but William Peace was able to surge within two points in the third period after outscoring Greensboro 26-4.
Following the Pacers run, the Pride was able to battle over the next six minutes of play to regain their double-digit lead at 62-51 following another Jenkins layup.
As the time began to tick away, the Pacers were able to pull within eight points at 57-59 but Greensboro was able to hold on for the nine-point victory.
“As much as we needed a win, I was really disappointed in our game tonight,” Head Coach Randy Tuggle said.
In addition to her team leading 27 points, Lewis also tallied nine rebounds, six assists and six steals. Jenkins finished with her first double double of the season with 12 rebounds and 11 points, while Sabria Joseph also had 12 boards.
The Pride women will look to secure at least a tie for the USA South East Division Regular Season Championship Saturday when they travel to Methodist University. Game time is set for 2 p.m. For more information on Greensboro College women’s basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.