Richardson nets season-high 18, NCWC drops two on the road

Ferrum, VA - Senior J.D. Richardson netted a season-high 18 points on Sunday, but it was not enough as the women's basketball team of North Carolina Wesleyan fell 97-63 to USA South-leading Ferrum College.  Richardson (pictured) knocked down 6-of-12 attempts from the floor and four three-pointers for the Bishops, who dropped their second game of this weekend's two-day road trip.  Wesleyan had previously fallen to Averett on Saturday by an 83-60 score.  The losses drop the Bishops to 4-12 on the season, 1-6 in conference play. 

At FC on Sunday, a feisty Panther defense forced 11 first-half turnovers by the Bishops.  Ferrum (13-5, 6-1 USAS) capitalized by shooting  54 percent in the period to forge a 20-point advantage at intermission, 51-31.

The second half saw the Panthers lead by as many as 37 on two occasions and cruise to the 87-63 win. Ferrum scored 28 points off of turnovers in the contest and dominated scoring in the paint with 46.

Tonya Wright paced the Panthers with 18 points and six rebounds.  Quanita Bennett, Aline Alzime, and Miranda Carrasco each turned in 12 points.

For Wesleyan, Lawanda Scott and April Wilson joined Richardson in double-figures with 10 points each.  Scott also pulled down a game-high nine boards.

Against AU on Saturday, the Cougars never trailed in the contest. Solid shooting and rebounding allowed Averett (2-12, 1-5 USAS) to take a 13-point lead into the lockerroom at the half, 39-26.

In the second half, AU quickly expanded its lead with an 11-3 run early in the period. The Cougars forged a 23-point advantage with 7:28 remaining and did not look back en route to the 83-60 victory.

Jasmine Adams netted 15 points for the Cougars, while Tiffany DeLoatch scored 13 points to go along with seven rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks. Kristen Kozar and Taylor Poirier chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.

For the Bishops, Scott recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.  Liz Ansley and Shameika Faircloth contributed 12 points and seven rebounds apiece.

Wesleyan returns to USA South play this Wednesday when the Bishops travel to Peace College.  Tip-off is slated for 7:00 p.m.