WISE, Va. - The Concord University women's basketball team fell 84-81 to UVa.-Wise in a non-conference game at the Prior Center Monday evening.
After finding themselves in a 15-point hole at halftime, the Mountain Lions (4-4) were quick to dig into the Cavaliers' (3-4) lead on a three-pointer from junior guard
Skylar Davidson 13 seconds into the second half and to bring the score to 45-33.
Following a short UVa.-Wise run, CU hit four three-point shots to cut its deficit to six, 57-51 with one minute remaining in the third quarter. Graduate guard
Nakaila Gray knocked down two three-pointers during the scoring spurt, while freshman guard
Ana Young and senior guard
Maddie Ratcliff added one three-pointer each.
The spurt continued as junior guard/forward
Deja Atkinson made a pair of free throws as the third quarter ended to bring Concord within four, 57-53. Atkinson scored a new career-high since joining the Maroon and Gray, as she finished with 10 points.
Senior guard
Jaisah Smith scored 10 straight points for CU to begin the fourth quarter And netting 12 of her 16 points in the contest in the final 10 minutes.
Gray buried another three-pointer at the five-minute mark of the fourth quarter to keep CU within four, 70-66. A steal from Davidson led to two free throws from Atkinson on the other end to put the Mountain Lions within one possession, 70-68.
A mid-range jumper from Ratcliff tied the game for the first time since the 6:48 mark of the first quarter, 70-70.
Both teams traded baskets back-and-forth, with Davidson making a pair of free throws to tie the game 76-76. It would be the final time CU was able to tie the game, as the Cavaliers led for the remaining minute of the second half to win 84-81.
Smith (16 points), Gray (14 points), Davidson (13 points), and Atkinson (10 points) all finished in double-digits.
The Mountain Lions swiped a season-high 18 steals in the contest with Davidson leading the way, collecting six steals. Ratcliff and graduate forward
Alexis Phillips shared three steals each.
Concord returns to the Carter Center to host Mountain East Conference foe Frostburg State Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
