MARS HILL, N.C. -- When inclement weather forced cancelation of the January 23 meeting, Meredith College and the Covenant Scots agreed to convene in Mars Hill, N.C. Gabi Jessup scored a game-high 18 points, but Covenant managed to slip past the Avenging Angels 55-49.

USA South standings continue to shuffle with one week remaining in the regular season. The top-eight finishers at the close of the regular season will meet for the league tournament beginning Thursday, Feb. 25.

After 10 minutes of play, the Avenging Angels held a 14-10 lead thanks to a perfect six-of-six from the field for Kim Hinton and Raven Gregory combined.

But the Scots opened the second period with a quick three-point play to keep the game close. The pace picked up with a pair of threes from Jessi Hayes and Nicole Miller, along with a steal in open court by Covenant's Joanna Smith for an easy two points.

Meredith continued to attack the basket and extended their lead to 10 at 27-17 on a fastbreak bucket from Gabi Jessup. Hinton assisted on the play.

At the intermission Meredith held a 32-22 advantage after shooting 61.9 percent from the field and outrebounding the Scots 17-11.

With 4:20 remaining in the third quarter, Scot Jessica Bell forced a Meredith turnover and finished the three-point play at the other end to cut the Angels' lead to just two. Jessup responded with a quick jumper and followed with a pair of free throws to keep Meredith in front.

With seven minutes remaining in regulation, the Scots took a 42-40 lead, but Jessup netted a pair from the stripe to tie the game.

At 3:16 Meredith fumbled the ball and the Scots pushed to even the game at 46. Covenant called for a break in the action, but neither team converted their next possession. Aleigha Williams broke the silence with one from beyond the arc to give the Scots a 49-46 advantage with two minutes left in the game.

A Meredith foul on the next attempt put the Scots in the double bonus, and Covenant's Smith netted them both to spread the gap to five. Hayes banked in a three-pointer to pull Meredith back to within two, but the Angels were forced to foul to stop the clock. Covenant would hold on for the win.

Hinton contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and Ashley Hudson grabbed six boards with two points. Gregory also tallied six rebounds, to go along with four points and two steals.

Three Scots posted double figures with Williams leading the pack with 13. Kate Patrick dished out five assists, adding four points in the loss.

Meredith travels to Ferrum Saturday afternoon for the first game in a doubleheader weekend. The Angels conclude the regular season Sunday at Averett. Both games tip off at 2 p.m.

A special thank you to Rick Baker and the Mars Hill athletics staff for hosting tonight's contest.