RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 27) – Saint Augustine’ University took command with a second-period spurt before outlasting William Peace University 69-66 in a women’s basketball game between neighboring Raleigh schools at Hermann Athletic Center on Wednesday.
The matchup was the first in recent memory between both teams, and it was a memorable one as the Lady Falcons opened a double-digit lead before holding on for the win. The victory over a good William Peace squad improved their record to 3-2 overall with the three wins tying last season’s total.
The Pacers (5-2 overall) missed two potential game-tying three-pointers in the final three seconds, including a trey after grabbing a loose ball on an in-bound pass with 1.5 seconds remaining.
The SAU women held a double-digit lead early in the fourth period before the Pacers’ late run. The Lady Falcons built their lead thanks to a late surge in the second period. Keyed by a 23-9 spurt, SAU turned a 17-14 deficit into a 37-26 halftime lead.
SAU maintained its double-digit margin for much of the second half, leading by 13 in the third period and 11 early in the fourth period. The Pacers closed within 67-66 with 33 seconds left, but Kaaliya Williams (Sr./Richmond, VA), who led the Lady Falcons with 14 points, scored a layup for a three-point lead with 27 seconds left, setting the stage for the final frantic moments.
Williams added seven rebounds for the Lady Falcons, who outrebounded the Pacers 49-31 including 21-11 on the offensive glass. The Pacers are one of the nation’s top defensive rebounding teams in Division III
Quiera Gilmore (Sr./Richmond, VA), who entered the contest ranked sixth nationally in Division II in steals, added 12 points and three steals. Angela Caraballo (Sr./Richmond, VA) scored 10 points and Kamya Renwicks (Sr./Baltimore, MD) produced six points, nine rebounds and four steals. The trio of Shankia Clark (Sr./Orlando, FL), Kiana Clark (Sr./Queens, NY) and Nyasia Barnes (Fr./Bertie, NC) each contributed seven points with Shankia Clark adding seven rebounds.
Lauryn Cross of the Pacers led all scorers with 19 points. The Lady Falcons held Mikayla Ray, who averages a double-double, to 0 for 5 shooting, but she made 14 of 14 free throws and amassed seven steals. Khadijah Daniels chipped in 10 points.
The inside play of the Lady Falcons proved to be the difference. They outscored the Pacers 26-11 in second chance points
Their dominance on the boards offset the Pacers’ advantage at the free throw line. The Lady Falcons were 9 of 15 from the charity stripe compared to 31 of 34 for the Pacers.
The Lady Falcons return to Emery Gymnasium on Saturday, Nov. 30, for a non-conference matchup against Piedmont International University. Game time is 2 p.m.
— Office of Sports Information
