Asheville, NC – Saturday afternoon presented another opportunity for the Regent University Women's Basketball team, as they faced Warren Wilson College in the second game of a two-day road trip. The two teams previously met earlier in the season in Virginia Beach, with the Owls coming away with the win. However, the Royals were at full strength this game and looking to come away with the road win.
The Owls were able to get to the free throw line to begin the first quarter but only converted one of two. Regent would have some early chances but were unable to get on the board allowing Warren Wilson to a transition basket on the other end to grab the early advantage 4-0. Out of a timeout, Sophomore Shardae Williams (Fredericksburg, VA) grabbed an offensive rebound and was able to go back up for the score to cut the lead in half. On the next possession, Senior Courtney Rowley (Lusk, WY) faked a three and drove to the basket for a floater and then Williams would tie the game with a fast break layup. Rowley found the basket again, giving the Royals their first lead of the game, then Sophomore My'Angel Carter (Toccoa, GA) would convert on the free throw line to make the score 10-6. Another Carter score, combined with solid defense kept Regent out in front 13-11.
The second quarter saw the Owls get the first basket to tie the game, but on the next possession Senior Lyriq Reyes (Bogota, NJ) drew an offensive foul which turned into a Carter layup. A Reyes driving layup increased the lead to four points and then Rowley found a cutting Carter for another layup, forcing a Warren Wilson timeout. The Owls trimmed the deficit with a three-pointer, but Carter would have an answer and as the teams headed to the locker rooms for the half the score was tied 25-25.
Warren Wilson grabbed the lead to start the third quarter, but Carter took a pass from Junior Jasmeen Lemons (Houston, TX) to tie things back up. On the next possession, Rowley found Reyes up top for her first three-pointer of the game and then Carter found Senior Oghosasse Osadiaye (Marion, MI) on a fast break to keep the Royals in front. The Owls would eventually take a one-point lead and then increase it to six after a three-pointer. Lemons cut into the lead with two free throws and then stole the ball and to go coast-to-coast for the score, which was followed by a Rowley jumper to tie the game and that is how the quarter would end 46-46.
Rowley gave Regent the lead to start the fourth quarter with a short jumper, but Warren Wilson answered with a three-pointer and a layup. Williams was able to convert one of two free throws, however the Owls would hit two three-pointers for the largest margin of the game at 11 points. Unfortunately, the Royals could not mount a comeback and fell by a final score of 74-63.
Carter finished the game with a double-double, 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Rowley added 16 points to go along with her 9 rebounds. In addition, Lemons finished with 11 points.
Regent will be back in action on Tuesday, February 18th when they are back on the road to face Christendom College. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.
