University of Mount Olive was unable to mount a comeback as the Trojans fell 63-55 to UNC Pembroke Saturday afternoon in Pembroke, N.C. in non-conference women's basketball. UNC Pembroke stopped the threat of a Mount Olive comeback as the Braves hit six straight free throws to end the game and seal the win.
Mount Olive's (2-3) Styles helped the Trojans fight back late in the game. The sophomore point guard hit a three-pointer with 41 seconds left in the fourth quarter to make it a two point game at 57-55. UNC Pembroke (3-1) however, were fouled three time and went perfect from the line to secure the win.
Mount Olive in the first quarter took the game's first points on a made three-pointer by Styles. UNC Pembroke took the lead after back-to-back layups. The Trojans responded by going on an 10-2 run and led 15-6. The final bucket was made by Kiara Jones and Mount Olive went into the second quarter up 17-10. The second quarter started off with the momentum swinging to UNC Pembroke as the Braves put up 10 unanswered points that lasted until the 5:30 mark.
In the third quarter Mount Olive and UNC Pembroke remained even in points scored as both squads put up 12 points. The final quarter saw the Trojans fight back, but were not able to convert on their possessions and the Braves did not miss.
Styles added four rebounds and three assists to go along with her 18 points. Anamaria Zjacic also had seven points and five boards.
Mount Olive returns to Kornegay Arena on Tuesday to take on Southern Wesleyan as part of a Conference Carolinas double header at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night is also Mount Olive Tribune night in Kornegay Arena.