Rocky Mount, NC - The N.C. Wesleyan women's basketball team kicked off its 2024 season in thrilling fashion, overcoming a halftime deficit to defeat Roanoke 81-65 in the season opener. The Bishops, who trailed at the break, came out of the locker room with intensity, igniting a dominant sixteen point scoring run.
The Basics:
Score: N.C. Wesleyan 81, Roanoke 65
Location/Venue: Rocky Mount, NC / Everett Gymnasium
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (1-0, 0-0 USA South), Eastern Mennonite (0-1, 0-0 ODAC)
Leading the charge was Nadia Simmons, who put up a double-double with eighteen points and ten rebounds. Simmons was a key force on both ends of the floor, helping the Bishops regain control of the game.
Another standout was Anaya Hall, who played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing fifteen points and seven rebounds in 31 minutes of action. Hall's aggressive play in the paint, combined with nice touch in the mid-range helped Wesleyan come out hot after halftime.
Newcomer Iyania Evans made an immediate impact, dominating inside with eleven points and five boards, while also providing exceptional post defense. The Bishops' inside presence was a major factor, as Wesleyan racked up 56 points in the paint over the course of the game.
Wesleyan was also unstoppable in the second half, as NCWU shot over 50% from the floor and blistered the net with an 11-18 effort in the third quarter alone. Despite a back-and-forth contest that saw eleven lead changes, the Bishops' efficient offense and suffocating defense ultimately secured the win in the second half forcing 20 turnovers.
Up Next:
Women's basketball will open up the Jean Edge Classic on Saturday evening at 6:00 PM vs Warren Wilson inside Everett Gymnasium.
