RALEIGH, N.C. – Meredith College women's basketball fell to William Peace University, 61-53, Wednesday evening in USA South action at Weatherspoon Gymnasium.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
William Peace opened the game on a hot shooting stretch, connecting on 10-of-17 shots in the first quarter, including 8-of-11 from three-point range, to take a commanding 28-9 lead after the opening period.
Meredith responded with resilience in the second and third quarters. The Angels outscored the Pacers 18-7 in the third quarter, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field in the period. A strong inside presence and second-chance opportunities helped Meredith trim the deficit to just three points, 44-41, late in the third.
In the fourth quarter, Meredith continued to battle and cut the lead to two points (53-51) with just over two minutes remaining. However, William Peace converted key free throws down the stretch to secure the eight-point victory.
KEY PERFORMANCES
Molly Zuburg led Meredith with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists. She consistently attacked the paint and helped spark the third-quarter surge.
Emma Roche provided a strong effort off the bench with 12 points and nine rebounds, including several key put-backs during Meredith's comeback attempt.
Jaymie Bevins dominated the glass with 14 rebounds while adding four points and four steals. The Angels finished with a 53-33 rebounding advantage, including 19 offensive boards that led to 11 second-chance points.
For William Peace, Ensley Perry and Zikira Henderson paced the Pacers with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Jess Worthey added 13 points off the bench.
FINAL NOTES
Meredith forced 17 William Peace turnovers and held the Pacers to just 34.4 percent shooting overall after the explosive first quarter. The Angels also controlled the paint, scoring 28 points inside.
Despite the slow start, Meredith showed determination in mounting a second-half comeback and competing until the final buzzer.
The Avenging Angels will look to carry that momentum into their next USA South matchup this Saturday, February 14th
