Second-Half Rally Falls Short For SAU In Women's Basketball Loss To Mount Olive

Box Score

RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 10) – Saint Augustine's University (SAU) provided plenty of excitement for its home fans despite a 78-69 non-conference women's basketball loss to the University of Mount Olive in the season opener at Emery Gymnasium on Saturday.

Kelsee Arnold (Sr./Fayetteville, GA) scored a career-high 23 points as the Lady Falcons rallied from a double-digit halftime deficit. They led briefly in the third period but were outscored 19-11 in the fourth period.

Though the Lady Falcons lost, this game felt different than the previous three years when they won a combined 13 games. SAU played with intensity and never quit in Montel Jones' head coaching debut.

The Lady Falcons fell behind 47-35 at halftime but climbed back to take a 58-55 lead on Arnold's free throw in the third period. They trailed 59-58 heading into the final period but fell short in the end. However, the Lady Falcons served notice they will be very competitive this season.

The third period was the highlight for the Lady Falcons, who outscored the Trojans 23-12. Sensing a rally, the crowd roared whenever the Lady Falcons scored on made a good play. The energy in the building motivated the Lady Falcons, who played their best basketball during that stretch.

Jordyn Burton (Fr./Durham, NC) and Arnold sparked the Lady Falcons in the third period. Burton came off the bench and scored all eight her points and Arnold added seven points.

Overall, Kamya Renwicks (Jr./Baltimore, MD) added 11 points and Bianca Igwe (Sr./Tampa, FL) added nine points for the Lady Falcons. Makayla Nichols scored 25 points and Felecity Havens added 23 points for the Trojans.

The Lady Falcons are on the road against Barton College on Tuesday, Nov. 13, in Wilson, N.C. Tipoff is 6 p.m.

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