Greensboro, NC – Greensboro College's Women's Basketball team (1-9, 1-2) team took the court Wednesday afternoon against the Meredith College Avenging Angels (3-8, 1-4) and were defeated 49-36. Like most USA South Conference contests, this game was back and forth and hard fought for the entire 40 minutes. While the defenses for each team stole the show, the game stayed close throughout until the Angels went on a run late to take the win.
Following the opening tip, Taya Phelps hit a three pointer to open the scoring for the Pride. Meredith would respond with a three pointer of their own and this would lead to both teams trading baskets for most of the period. Throughout the first quarter neither team had taken full control, but Greensboro would hold a 9-7 lead after the first 10 minutes.
The second quarter would be the highest scoring quarter on the night led by Tonya Williams. After more back and forth early in the quarter, the Angels would get hot around the 5:00 minute mark and go on a run. This run by Meredith set them up with a 17-12 lead with 3 minutes left in the first half. This would be where Tonya Williams showed how good she is, even as a freshman. Williams would have an impact on the each of Greensboro's last 8 points in the quarter, including 6 of her own. Her excellent play helped the Pride go into halftime tied with Meredith 20-20.
The second half would begin with the same style of basketball as the first half. The third quarter would also be back and forth for the entire 10 minutes. Each team was seeing points come from multiple players. Towards the end the period, the Pride were down 31-27 before Taya Phelps hit a huge shot followed by a buzzer beater from Kensie Harris. These buckets propelled the Pride into a 32-31 lead going into the 4th quarter.
Unfortunately for Greensboro, the Avenging Angels started the 4th quarter almost perfectly. Through the first 5 minutes, the Pride were held scoreless and the Angles retook the lead, extending it to 39-32. The Pride were never able to recover from this early fourth quarter run and managed only 4 points in the final 5 minutes.
Kensie Harris led Greensboro with 13 points and had 8 rebounds. Harris also had 3 blocks and 3 steals. Tonya Williams finished with 8 points, while Taya Phelps also had 6 points.
Despite having chances to take control early, Greensboro would fall 49-36. The Pride will have a few days to regroup before their next game. Greensboro will travel to Salem College on Saturday, January 6th, with tip-off scheduled for 2:00 PM. Go to greensborocollegesports.com to watch and follow the Pride as the look for their second conference win of the season.
Alex Trepper - Athletics Communications Intern
