Virginia Beach, VA- The Regent Women's Basketball Team returned home this holiday weekend to face Methodist University (Fayetteville, NC). After a quick road trip to Virginia Wesleyan, the Royals opened up their second consecutive double-header in a fast paced game. This was the first game of a home-and-home series between the two teams and Regent was looking to defend their court.
The Royals controlled the pace of the game for a good part of the first quarter. It was tied at 5-5 for the first five minutes and Regent's combined effort on the defensive end, along with the controlled pace on the offensive side helped push the Royals into the second quarter, down 20-7. They would open up the second quarter with free-throws from Senior Lyriq Reyes (Bagota, NJ), who found the free-throw line consistently throughout the rest of the quarter. The Royals' defense continued to prove effective, only allowing six points through five minutes. Regent has done an excellent job this year at forcing turnovers on the defensive end, and turning those into good opportunities on the offensive end, which proved true in the first half. Senior Courtney Rowley (Lusk, WY) ended the Royals scoring in the second quarter with last second free throws after an aggressive cut to the basket. However, they would trail heading into the locker room 38-14.
Regent opened the third quarter determined to prove themselves as Sophomore guard Lindora Lewis (Richmond, VA) led on the defensive and offensive side, with a quick three and a handful of deflected passes. Junior guard Jasmeen Lemons (Houston, TX) also added to the offensive scoring with three free-throws after a hard foul on a three point attempt. Rowley continued to showcase her offensive skill set and found her way into the paint for an open layup. The Royals battled throughout the third quarter, and they seemed to find success from every area of the floor. With multiple forced turnovers on the defensive end, Regent ended the quarter outscoring the Monarchs 17-12.
While the Royals hoped to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, they were unable to cut into the Monarchs's deficit and would fall by a final score of 70-37.
Lemons finished the game with a team high 11 points, while Rowley added 9 points to go along with her 7 rebounds.(4 Offensive and 3 Defensive). In addition, Sophomore My'Angel Carter (Toccoa, GA) had 7 points and finished the game 7-10 from the free throw line.
The two teams will meet again on Wednesday, December 4th in Fayetteville, NC. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.
