Pfeiffer Women Tops Salem College, 80-65

Misenheimer, N.C. (Dec. 18, 2021) – The Pfeiffer University women's basketball team had four players score in double-figures to top visiting Salem College 80-65 in a USA South game at Merner Gym on Saturday afternoon.

Pfeiffer (4-5, 1-3 USA South) took the lead at 7-6 at 6:52 of the first quarter and never trailed again.

The Falcons led 17-14 after the first quarter and went on a 14-5 run to push the lead to 31-19 after a three-pointer from sophomore Jahlea Peters (Hickory, N.C.) with 5:51 to play in the first half.  Pfeiffer the expanded the lead to 19 points (41-22) on a basket from freshman Mara Ochoa-Contreras (Mexico City, Mexico).  The Falcons were not finished, as a pair of Alexus Boyd (Raleigh, N.C.) free throws with seven seconds remaining provided the 47-26 halftime lead.

In the third quarter, Pfeiffer would lead by as many as 28 points (70-42) after back-to-back three pointers from Shalonda Wilkins (Chesterfield, Va.) and Ochoa-Contreras.

The Falcons would not be threatened the rest of the way, eventually taking the 80-65 win
Senior Mya Johnson (Roxboro, N.C.) led the way with a team-high 14 points.  Johnson was perfect from the free throw line (5-of-5) and was also 4-of-5 from the field with one three-pointer.  Teammates Brina Bentley (Chester, Va.) and Boyd each had 12 points which Ochoa-Contreras netted 11 points.  Bentley also was the top-rebounder on the day, securing seven boards.

Salem's top performance on the afternoon was by Tamsi Echendu, as she recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds.  Tyler Davenport scored a team-high 17 points in the loss for the Spirits.

Pfeiffer will turn their attention to the Jamie L. Roberts Classic hosted by the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  The Falcons will take on the host Cardinals on Monday, Dec. 20 at 4:00 p.m. and will follow that with a 4:00 p.m. matchup with Salisbury University on Dec. 21.