Greenwood Bears Down as Lander University Women’s Basketball Opens Season with Loss to Carson-Newman

Greenwood Bears Down as Lander University Women’s Basketball Opens Season with Loss

Greenwood, SC – The Lander University women’s basketball team kicked off their 2024 season with a challenging game against the No. 14 Carson-Newman Eagles on November 7, 2024, at the Finis Horne Arena. Unfortunately for the Bearcats, they fell short, suffering a 90-64 defeat in front of a spirited crowd of 365 fans.

Early Struggles and a Strong Start by Carson-Newman

From the whistle, the Eagles established dominance, quickly building a commanding 26-8 lead in the first quarter. Lander struggled to find their offensive rhythm, plagued by turnovers and missed shots. This early deficit forced the Bearcats into a challenging position, as they found themselves having to play catch-up against a formidable opponent.

A Glimmer of Hope in the Second Quarter

In the second quarter, Lander began to show signs of life. The duo of Quadaija Langley and Trinity Thomas played a pivotal role in this resurgence, combining for an impressive 41 points throughout the game. Their contributions energized the team and sparked a more aggressive offensive approach that momentarily put pressure back on Carson-Newman.

Foul Trouble Complicates Lander’s Efforts

Despite some progress, Lander’s hopes for a comeback were hampered by foul trouble that arose as the game progressed. Key players had to navigate the precarious situation of avoiding fouls, which further disrupted their momentum. With this challenge, the Bearcats were forced to adjust their playing style, limiting their effectiveness on both offense and defense.

Second Half Challenges

The second half continued to be a struggle for Lander as they attempted to keep pace with the Eagles. Carson-Newman’s offense remained relentless, pushing their lead even higher. The Bearcats were unable to execute their plays effectively, which allowed Carson-Newman to capitalize on their mistakes and convert them into points.

Final Score and Aftermath

As the final buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 90-64 in favor of the Carson-Newman Eagles. The loss marked a challenging start to the season for Lander, but there were moments of promise demonstrated by their players, particularly Langley and Thomas. These bright spots could serve as a foundation as the Bearcats look to regroup and refocus in the upcoming games.

Looking Ahead

While the game against Carson-Newman was tough, Lander University’s women’s basketball team remains committed and passionate about improving in their future matchups. They will undoubtedly reflect on the lessons learned from this defeat and carry that knowledge forward as they prepare for their next encounter on the court.

Conclusion

Despite an uphill battle this season, the Lander Bearcats are determined to harness their strengths and work on their weaknesses to become a competitive force. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how the team rebounds from this setback in their quest for success.