MISENHEIMER, N.C. --The Pfeiffer women's basketball team could not hang on to a 35-31 halftime lead, falling to visiting Virginia University of Lynchburg by a 63-56 score in Merner Gym on Saturday afternoon.
The Falcons (6-9) had two players score in double figures, led by freshman Ava Hairston, who had 18 points and three steals. Senior Kenadie Hudler tacked on 13 points and four steals and Hannah Isley added five points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Hairston pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Pfeiffer, grabbing 17 boards and turning them into 14 second chance points.
Pfeiffer forced 23 turnovers while committing 17 themselves in Saturday's game. The Falcons turned those takeaways into 18 points on the other end of the floor. Hudler's four steals led the way for Pfeiffer.
How It Happened
After falling behind 10-2, Pfeiffer went on a 10-0 run with 4:22 left in the first quarter to take a 12-10 lead. then responded to tie things up at 14-14 heading into the second quarter. Pfeiffer did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring eight of its 14 points close to the basket.
then took a 23-22 lead before Pfeiffer responding by going on an 8-0 run, highlighted by a three from Hudler, to take a 30-23 lead. The cut into that lead, but the Falcons still enjoyed a 35-31 advantage heading into halftime. Pfeiffer was strong from deep in the period, knocking down five three-point shots to account for 15 of its 21 points.
Pfeiffer then lost its advantage in the third quarter and trailed the 52-44 entering the fourth. Pfeiffer played well near the basket, scoring six of its nine points in the paint.
Pfeiffer narrowed its deficit in the fourth quarter, but could not get over the hump, losing 63-56. Pfeiffer took advantage of nine turnovers in the quarter, scoring four points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» The Falcons shared the ball well, recording an assist on 70 percent of made baskets.
» The Pfeiffer bench came alive by scoring 30 points to its scoring output.
» The Pfeiffer defense forced 23 turnovers.
» Pfeiffer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Ava Hairston led the Falcons with 18 points.
» Pfeiffer got a team-high eight rebounds from Lola Cabaniss-Ali.
Up Next
The Falcons will jump back into USA South play on Wednesday, Jan. 29 with a 6:00 p.m. tip against Methodist University in Merner Gym.
