University of Mount Olive fell to No. 16 ranked Francis Marion University 79-48 in non-conference women's basketball at Florence, S.C. Tuesday night. Mount Olive was unable to recover from a 22-7 second quarter by Francis Marion.
Mount Olive (4-4) fell behind from the opening tip as Francis Marion (8-0) hit back-to-back three-pointers and took the game's opening momentum. The Trojans fought back with two straight jump shots and drew as close as they would for the remainder of the game.
The second quarter saw the Patriots' lead balloon to 22 after the final three points of the half came from the hands of Francis Marion. The deficit never fell below 20 for the remainder of the game and Mount Olive was unable to build a comeback.
For Mount Olive Kiara Jones joined Arieal Johnson in double figures with 10 points. Shy'Lia Buie led the team with four assists.
Mount Olive will return home to Kornegay Arena to host Saint Augustine's University December 13 at 4 p.m.