Second half run lifts Salem over Wesleyan, 68-50

Rocky Mount, NC - The women’s basketball team of Salem College improved to 7-6 on the season with a 68-50 win over homestanding North Carolina Wesleyan on Thursday night in Everett Gymnasium.  The Spirits, who trailed by five at the half, used a 17-2 run midway through the second half  to pull away from the Bishops.  Wesleyan is now 4-10 on the season.

Salem held an early advantage in the first half, going up 20-15 on a three-pointer by Stephanie Wilson with nine minutes remaining.  A jumper by junior Lawanda Scott at the 4:08 mark gave the Bishops their first lead of the game, 25-24.  Wesleyan went on to close the half with a 6-2 run to forge a 31-26 lead at the break.

The second half saw the Spirits fight back to tie the game at 39-39 at the 12:03 mark. Salem caught fire from the floor at that point, while the Bishops struggled to find an offensive rhythm.  The ensuing 17-2 run spanned the next six minutes and gave the Spirits a 56-41 lead with 5:50 remaining.  The Bishops would not recover en route to their sixth straight loss.

The Spirits shot 52 percent from the floor in the second half compared to NCWC’s 16, which proved to be the difference in the game. 

Shakila Springs turned in a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Alexandria Ervin and Michala Michaux each chipped in 12 points for Salem.  Ervin and Michaux also combined for nine assists.

Lawanda Scott and April Wilson paced the Bishops with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Wesleyan returns to USA South play this Saturday and Sunday when the Bishops travel to Averett and Ferrum.  Both games are slated for 2:00 p.m.