WESLEYAN RALLY COMES UP SHORT VERSUS SPELMAN

Brandy McDowell scored all 14 of her points in the second half as Wesleyan College erased a double-digit lead before the rally ran out of steam in a 65-55 loss to Spelman College at Porter Gymnasium on Monday evening.

The Jaguars put Wesleyan in an early hole by limiting the Pioneers to just 18% shooting from the floor in the first half. Spelman (3-8, 1-2 GSAC) carried a 27-21 advantage into the intermission.

McDowell drilled a three-pointer just over two minutes into the half as Wesleyan (2-8, 0-2 GSAC) scored the first five points of the period to close within one point. However, behind Kristin Kelly, Spelman answered with an 11-0 run and seemed to regain control of the game. The Pioneers had one last surge left in them and tied the game at 48-48 on a Kassandra Epps three-pointer with 5:31 remaining in the contest. The Jaguars buckled down a second time, scoring seven straight points on their way to securing a 65-55 victory.

Wesleyan displayed their defense again, holding Spelman to just over 36% shooting from the floor and forcing 20 turnovers while holding a slim advantage on the boards.

“Our defense kept us in the game and gave us a chance, because when you shoot 25% from the floor, it is tough,” said head coach Jason Henry. “We are happy that we improved more from the last game.”

Epps scored 13 points while Rachel Hornbostel added 11 points to join McDowell in double-figure scoring for the Pioneers. Shanda Kennedy posted a huge double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds to pace Spelman.

The Pioneers begin a three-game road swing at GSAC rival LaGrange College on Thursday night.