Ansley's 23 not enough, NCWC falls to Chowan 66-58

Murfreesboro, NC - Despite a season-high 23 points from senior Liz Ansley (pictured), the North Carolina Wesleyan women's basketball team fell on the road at Chowan on Thursday night by a 66-58 score.  The Bishops, who trailed 39-30 at the break, battled back to take the lead in the second half but could not overcome a late 9-2 Hawk run that spanned the final two minutes.  The Bishops have now dropped three straight and are 4-7 on the season.  Chowan moves to 8-9 with the win.

NCWC shot nearly 60 percent in the first half to Chowan's 52 percent, but Wesleyan was plagued by 16 turnovers that allowed the Hawks to forge a nine-point advantage at intermission.  

The Bishops opened up the second half with a 11-1 run that gave them a 41-40 lead at the 15:28 mark.  Ansley scored all 11 points during that span, knocking down two three-pointers, a jumper, and three free throws.  The next 13 minutes saw four lead changes and three ties.

The Hawks managed a six-point lead with 4:08 remaining.  Wesleyan, however, managed to pull within one at 57-56 at the 2:07 mark.  The Bishops then put together two defensive stands but squandered both chances to take the lead. 

CU's Alicia McMorris would not be denied on a third possession, knocking down a huge three-pointer to extend the Hawk lead to 60-56.  Chowan was perfect at the line down the stretch to seal the victory.

April Wilson turned in 12 points and eight rebounds to go along with Ansley's 23 for the Bishops.  Freshman Amanda Sagadraca netted a career-high nine points.

Holly Baldwin paced the Hawks with 28 points and connected on 4-of-6 attempts from behind the arc.

Wesleyan continues USA South play on Saturday when the Bishops host Greensboro College.  Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m. in Everett Gymnasium. 

Saturday will serve as both Parent's Day and "Take a Kid to the Game" day.  Kids 12 and under will be admitted free and will receive promotional posters and bracelets courtesy of NCAA Basketball.