MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat women's basketball team played inside McAlister Gymnasium on Wednesday, marking the Cavaliers' first game on their true home court in 364 days. Hosting the Johnson University Royals in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) affair, the Cavs stayed tight with the visitors early before JU pulled away during the second half. Following the 98-72 defeat, Montreat's record now stands at 16-8 (13-6 AAC).
 
Tresalyn Roberts poured in six of the hosts' initial eight points as Montreat attempted to keep pace with Johnson (21-4, 16-3 AAC). Down 11-6, Roberts' bucket triggered a 13-1 run that featured six makes in the paint. A pair of 3-pointers helped the Royals trim the deficit down the stretch, though, meaning the Cavaliers owned just a 23-20 lead after 10 minutes of play.
 
Karis Alexander, Roberts and Ayanna Varela all connected on looks down low to keep the home side in front midway through the second quarter. When Johnson did manage to take a 33-32 lead, Katie Alexander and Ania Sands drilled shots from behind the arc. The second frame alone included seven ties, the last of which came via a Maddie Ferrara jumper that leveled the score at 42-42 heading into halftime.
 
A cold shooting stretch in the third opened the door for Johnson to take control of the matchup. The Cavs shot 29.4 percent (5-17 FG) during the frame, and the Royals capitalized. Virginia Edmondson scored eight of Montreat's 16 points in the period, but the away side moved in front by nine (67-58) prior to the start of the fourth.
 
Johnson shot 61.1 percent (11-18 FG) in the final quarter as it saved its best offense for last. A 31-14 edge across the final 10 minutes sealed the 98-72 victory for the Royals.
 
The visitors ended the contest shooting 47.8 percent overall (32-67 FG), 44.8 percent from deep (13-29 3-pt FG) and 84.0 percent at the line (21-25 FT). Montreat went 30-for-68 from the field (44.1 percent), 5-for-18 from beyond the arc (27.8 percent) and 7-for-9 at the stripe (77.8 percent). Johnson held the upper hand in points off turnovers (42-25), second chance points (20-12), rebounds (39-33), assists (19-15) and steals (10-7).
 
Edmondson paced all Cavaliers with 20 points. Roberts matched her career high with 12 points, while Ferrara (12 points) and Rymiah Sanders (11 points) also reached double figures in scoring. Both Ferrara and Katie Alexander grabbed six boards. Alexander also led all players with nine assists.
 
Montreat is right back at it on Saturday for a senior day matchup versus the Union Commonwealth University Bulldogs. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m. inside McAlister Gymnasium.