Women's Basketball Fall in Overtime Thriller Against Reinhardt

WALESKA, Ga.- The women's basketball team battled to overtime on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the team was not able to complete a full comeback, falling to the Reinhardt University Lady Eagles 70-69. 

The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) game opened with the teams exchanging points. Courtney Farr got the team on the board with a layup and Jalaya Lindsey followed to tie the score 4-4. Jaci Powell made a layup to give the team six points and a pair of free throws by Jacelyn Stone made the score 11-8 in favor of Reinhardt. TWU's offense went cold over the remaining 4:39 though as Reinhardt's led to a 20-8 lead at the end of the quarter.

Tennessee Wesleyan came alive in the second quarter with improved defensive stops and fast-break layups. Powell's three-pointer put the team down 22-14 early in the quarter. With 2:13 until halftime, points by Julia Howard and Aubrey Long had helped the team cut the deficit down to four points. TWU trailed by seven at halftime though, 31-24.

The Bulldogs worked to erase Reinhardt's lead, but every surge was met with a response from the Eagles. Farr and Stone combined for layups to bring energy to the team. Even as Lady Bulldogs capitalized on turnovers and executed well in the half-court, Reinhardt matched their intensity, maintaining a 48-39 advantage heading into the final frame.

The fourth quarter witnessed Tennessee Wesleyan's never-quit attitude on full display. Farr and Jalaya anchored the offense, while Howard and Ella Crowder contributing with key rebounds and baskets. After three technical fouls on the opponets allowed Stone to make six consecutive free throws, the score was 65-63 with 54 seconds. On the ensuing possession, Lindsey made a layup to to tie the game 65-65 and the defense stopped Reinhardt's game-ending possession, forcing overtime in the high-pressure game.

Overtime was a seesaw battle. The Lady Bulldogs struck first through a free throw by Stone, gaining a 66-65 edge. Stone hit two more free throws to put the game in a 68-68 tie with 1:22 remaining. On the final offensive possession for Tennessee Wesleyan, Lindsey was fouled on a layup attempt, giving her two free throws to attempt to tie the game again. Lindsey unfortunately split the free throws, giving the opponents the one-point victory. 

Stone led all scorers with 22 points while Powell (13), Farr (12, career-high), and Lindsey (12) were also in double figures.

TWU (9-8, 7-6 AAC) stays on the road for their next game as they travel to face Montreat College on Saturday. The game will be played in Kimmel Arena on the campus of UNC Asheville at 2:00 p.m.