Brevard, NC – The N.C. Wesleyan women's basketball team saw its 2024-25 season come to an end on Thursday night, as the Battling Bishops fell 70-60 to Brevard in the USA South Conference Tournament semifinals at Boshamer Gymnasium.

The Basics:
Score: #3 N.C. Wesleyan 60, #2 Brevard 70
Location/Venue: Brevard, NC / Boshamer Gymnasium
Records: N.C. Wesleyan (16-9, 12-4 USA South), Brevard (20-5, 13-3 USA South)

Despite a strong second-quarter surge, Wesleyan struggled to find consistency on offense and could not overcome a decisive third quarter by the Tornados. With the loss, the Bishops conclude the season with a 16-9 overall record, including a 12-4 mark in USA South play.

Brevard took control early, outscoring Wesleyan 19-12 in the opening quarter. The Bishops responded in the second, using a 9-0 run to briefly grab the lead. Anaya Hall provided a spark inside, while Corynthian Williams and Leila Copeland connected from beyond the arc to help Wesleyan take a 33-32 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved pivotal, as Brevard erupted for 22 points while holding the Bishops to just eight. Strong perimeter shooting and relentless rebounding allowed the Tornados to rebuild the lead heading into the final period.

Wesleyan fought to cut into the deficit in the fourth, with Williams scoring nine of her game-high nineteen points in the frame. The Bishops got as close as eight points down the stretch, but Brevard's defense and timely free throw shooting sealed the victory.

Williams led the Bishops with nineteen points, hitting 7-of-21 from the floor. Hall added twelve points and a team-high seven rebounds, while Nadia Simmons finished with eleven points, three steals, and five assists.

Brevard was led by Josie Hester and Makenna Parkins, who each tallied eighteen points and combined for twenty rebounds. Jada Petty-Wilkins added sixteen points and three assists for the Tornados, who held a 47-33 edge on the boards and scored 28 points in the paint.