Box Score
SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. - The University of Charleston women's basketball team fell a shot short after two final second attempts couldn't find net in a 52-50 setback on the road at West Virginia Conference opponent Shepherd, Thursday evening.
Charleston (9-9, 8-6) played from behind in the opening half due to 26 percent shooting from the floor, but locked the Rams (10-9, 7-6) down with a tough defensive effort to stay within reach headed into halftime at 23-20.
The second half proved to be a new ballgame as the Golden Eagles found their stroke to hit 12-of-26 shots. Both teams traded baskets to the tune of four ties before a 7-0 run by UC put the visitors on top 47-40 with 6:12 left to play in the game.
From what seemed to be a runaway lead as the visitors took control the Butcher Center baskets closed off. Lauren Davis accounted for the only three points the University of Charleston could muster in the final six minutes of play as Shepherd chipped away despite their own poor shooting performance. Davis hit a jumper with 4:32 on the clock to hold off the Rams at 49-42, yet the visiting Golden Eagles would go until the 2:45 mark before Davis scored the 50th and final point.
Despite the scoreless streak in the final two minutes Charleston's effort on defense kept them in the game as it took a three-point play at the 1:15 mark to put Shepherd on top. UC had three looks at the basket in the final 51 seconds, but were unable to come up with a basket that would send the game to overtime as SU managed to slip away with a 52-50 win.
Davis led Charleston in the scorebook with 15 points, two assists and two steals. Erike Rousculp proved to still be a force inside as the NCAA Division II rebounding leader with 15 rebounds, but was matched inside by Shepherd which allowed her to score just seven points.
Marilene Lapierra booked a season-high nine points in the defeat.
Charleston gets a day of rest before continuing the long road trip with a stop at Pitt-Johnstown on Saturday, Jan. 28. The Golden Eagles will tipoff against the Mountain Cats at 1:00 pm with live audio coverage available here at www.ucgoldeneagles.com
