Winston-Salem, NC – Greensboro College's Women's Basketball team (1-11, 1-2) hit the road this afternoon to take on the Spirits of Salem College (6-5, 2-2). In what was an offensive explosion for both teams, every quarter had at least 28 combined points scored. For the Pride, every player who checked into the contest scored, including three players who finished the game with double digit points (Tamera Hooker (18), Azuria Barrino (12), Tonya Williams (11)).
Following the opening tip, Salem would go on a quick 6-0 run to start the game. The Pride would bounce back and pull to within one possession of the Spirits with just over 4 minutes left in the quarter. However, with the score 8-6 in favor of the Spirits, Salem would go on another run and outscore the Pride 12-2 to end the first 10 minutes of play. Greensboro would see themselves down 20-8 at the end of the first quarter.
To start the second quarter the Pride knew they needed to get the offense rolling if they wanted to get back into the contest. That would be exactly what they did, scoring 19 points over the next 10 minutes. The second period saw seven different members of the Pride get a bucket which had not been done in over five years. Despite the shots starting to fall for the Pride, the Spirits offense stayed hot and matched every Pride score. At the end of the first half, Greensboro would be down 38-27.
The third quarter would be similar to the second. Both teams would trade scores for the first 4 minutes of the 3rd. The Pride would go on a small run in the middle of the quarter and after a Tamera Hooker jump shot, Greensboro had cut the lead back to single digits. However, the Spirits would respond by going on another hot streak and extend the lead back to double digits. At the end of the third quarter, Salem lead 62-43.
The fourth quarter would be the highest scoring quarter of the game with over 45 total points scored. Both teams scored 20+ points by hitting threes and multiple players converting tough shots in the paint. While the Pride were unable to get stops defensively to come back, there were a lot of positives to be taken from this quarter. Greensboro put up 21 points in the 4th, and despite the score, the young Greensboro squad showed strong fight.
In the end, Greensboro would fall 88-64 to the Spirits in what was an exciting game. The Pride will have a few days to regroup and prepare for their next contest on Tuesday, January 9th. The Pride will travel to USA South rival Brevard College, and tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm. Fans of the Pride can go to greensbororcollegesports.com to watch or follow the game via live stats.
Alex Trepper - Athletics Communications Intern
