Women's Basketball Unable to Complete Comeback Against Cumberland

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.- The women's basketball team played in the Johnson University New Year's Eve Classic on Monday. The team played their first of two games in the classic against the Cumberland University Lady Phoneix. 

TWU started the game with energy, battling Cumberland in a tightly contested opening quarter. Jalaya Lindsey set the tone with a block on defense and later scored on a three-pointer. Jacelyn Stone contributed with key rebounds and a made jump shot to keep TWU within striking distance. Anna Crowder added a crucial three-pointer late in the quarter, helping TWU finish down just 23-18.

The Bulldogs faced difficulty finding offensive rhythm in the second quarter. While the defense worked to slow Cumberland's attack, turnovers and missed opportunities left the Lady Bulldogs with a deficit. Stone and Lindsey remained active defensively, but Tennessee Wesleyan managed only six points in the quarter due to their offensive struggles, entering halftime down 39-24.

TWU responded after halftime with a focused effort on both ends. Stone hit a timely jumper early in the quarter, and Lindsey added points in transition. Abbey Barr contributed a layup off an assist from Courtney Farr, while Crowder sank a three-pointer to narrow the gap. The Bulldogs outscored Cumberland 13-11 in the quarter, moving the score to 50-37 in favor of the opponents by the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter saw TWU deliver a spirited comeback attempt. Lindsey led the charge with a layup and a critical three-pointer, cutting into the deficit. Crowder and Stone kept the offense flowing with layups, and Sierra Bates added points in the paint. TWU scored 22 points in the quarter, their highest-scoring period, but Cumberland's consistent scoring down the stretch secured their victory.

Crowder led the offense with 19 points while Stone added 18 points. 

Tennessee Wesleyan (5-5) plays for the final time in 2024 when they conclude their time at the Johnson University New Year's Eve Classic on Tuesday. The team will face Spartanburg Methodist College at 2:00 p.m.