Pfeiffer women fall at N.C. Wesleyan at the buzzer, 73-72

Published 11:08 am Monday, January 28, 2019

North Carolina Wesleyan’s Kayla Johnson hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to defeat the Pfeiffer University women’s basketball team 73-72 in a USA South game Saturday afternoon in Rocky Mount.

Pfeiffer, having led by as many as 23 points, was outscored by the Bishops 25-9 in the fourth quarter. With Pfeiffer leading 64-53 with 8:39 left in the game, N.C. Wesleyan embarked on a 13-2 run to close to within 66-65 with 2:37 left to play.

N.C. Wesleyan then took the 67-66 lead following a Johnson 3-pointer with 1:37 left.  The Bishops then went up 70-67, but Pfeiffer clawed back to tie it at 70 after A’Mya McClain  scored and was fouled. She then hit the free throw to tie the game.

After another basket by McClain put the Falcons up 72-70 with four seconds to go.  Following a timeout, N.C. Wesleyan was able to spring Johnson free for her game-winning shot.

McClain led the way for the Falcons with 20 points while Kortni Pinion had 17 points.  Senior guard Sydni Bickford also managed double figures with 12 points while hitting two 3-pointers on the afternoon.

Johnson led N.C. Wesleyan with a game-high 26.

With the loss, Pfeiffer falls to 8-8 overall and 5-7 in league play while N.C. Wesleyan improves to 9-12 and 7-5.

About Charles Curcio

Charles Curcio has served as the sports editor of the Stanly News & Press for more than 16 years and has written numerous news and feature storeis as well. He was awarded the NCHSAA Tim Stevens Media Representative of the Year and named CNHI Sports Editor of the Year in 2014. He has also won an award from Boone Newspapers, and has won four North Carolina Press Association awards.

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