Women's Basketball Falls At UNCP

PEMBROKE, N.C. -- UNC Pembroke used a big margin at the line and a big third quarter to top Catawba 67-58 in women's basketball action on Monday night at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court. The Braves improve to 6-6 on the season, while the Catawba Indians drop to 9-3.

Catawba led 27-25 at the break, but Pembroke rallied in the third quarter to take a 50-40 edge, then kept the Lady Indians at bay the rest of the way. UNCP did most of its damage at the line in the decisive quarter, canning 11-o-f14 as Catawba was whistled for nine fouls.

Lyrik Thorne again led Catawba, scoring 20 points with seven assists and three steals. Jada Porter came off the bench to net 17 points.

Both teams committed 10 turnovers and the rebound battle was even at 38 apiece. Catawba canned more field goals, 23 to 18, and three-pointer, seven to three, but couldn't make up for the big edge UNCP had at the line. The Braves made 28-of-34 for the game to just 5-of-11 for the Lady Indians.

Hannah Russell led UNCP with 22 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Courtney Smith tallied 18 points with a dozen of those coming from the line.

Catawba will return to action after the holidays, hosting Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 5:30 p.m.