Winston-Salem, NC – On Tuesday night the Regent University Women's Basketball team traveled south for a match-up with Carolina University. The game would be the final contest of the season for the Royals, but they were determined to keep their winning momentum going and finish on a high note.
Regent fell behind early in the first quarter, but baskets from Juniors Layla Turner (Portsmouth, VA) and Jabarria Brown (Paterson, NJ) enabled the Royals to claim their first lead of the game, 7-4. Free throws from Turner would keep Regent in front, but the Bruins put together a run and eventually grabbed the lead back. However, after a strong defensive stand the Royals went out in front again, but as the quarter ended, they trailed, 12-11.
Brown got things started in the second quarter with a driving layup and she would follow that up again with another score. Regent eventually increased their lead to three points, as Brown would, once again, drive to the basket for the score. With five minutes remaining in the half, Carolina reclaimed the lead from the free throw line going ahead, 22-20 but Junior Courtney Rowley (Lusk, WY) tied the game back up with a turnaround jumper. Unfortunately, the Bruins capitalized on some offensive possessions and the Royals went into the locker room trailing 29-22.
The third quarter did not start off the way Regent had hoped as they fell behind by double-digits, but Brown drained a three pointer to keep them within striking distance, forcing the Bruins to call a timeout. However, as the quarter went on, Carolina was able to increase their lead and when the clock hit zero, the Royals were behind 51-35.
As the fourth quarter began, Brown continued to drive to the basket allowing her to get to the free throw line. Junior Desiree Cross (Woodbridge, VA) converted a driving layup, which was followed up with a basket by Junior Nevaeh Ivory (Charlottesville, VA) and four straight points from Rowley, as Regent tried to start their comeback. On the next two possessions, Turner hit a three pointer and then Senior Kali Murrell (Long Beach, CA) converted a layup to keep the momentum going. However, as the final buzzer sounded the Royals would fall by a final score of 72-54.
Brown led Regent with 17 points, while Turner finished with 15 points. The Royals conclude their season and will look to improve on the positives they were able to produce this year. Thank you to all the fans who came out and supported the team this season.
