MONTREAT, N.C.— The Montreat College women's basketball team played host to the Spartanburg Methodist College Pioneers on Saturday for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) showdown inside McAlister Gymnasium. Behind a strong defensive push that resulted in 22 turnovers and 25 points off those miscues, the visitors claimed an 86-62 victory over the Cavaliers. With the result, the Cavs moved to 5-11 (3-7 AAC) on the year, while SMC climbed to 9-7 (4-5 AAC).
Montreat opened the first quarter with a strong offensive showing, taking an early 9–2 lead, highlighted by
Bayleigh Winkler's 3-pointer and jumper.
Ania Sands contributed with a fast break triple moments later, keeping the hosts' advantage at seven points midway through the period (12-5). Spartanburg Methodist responded by narrowing the gap, capitalizing on turnovers to secure important points in the frame's final minutes.
Despite Montreat's initial momentum and effective scoring in the paint, SMC closed the quarter on a high note. The away side captured the lead with a late 3-pointer, and a layup just before the buzzer left the Cavaliers in a 17-14 hole through 10 minutes of action.
Sarah Williams finished off a Sands' steal and feed, while Winkler buried a jumper to reclaim the lead for the home team just 1:13 into the second period. However, the Pioneers responded swiftly, regaining control with a series of free throws and baskets. Despite Montreat's efforts, Spartanburg Methodist continued to capitalize on turnovers and fast breaks, extending their momentum in the process.
As the frame progressed, SMC continued to extend its lead, going up double digits midway through the quarter (33-23). The visitors eventually grew their advantage to 19 points before
Trinety Dajuste managed a late triple. Spartanburg Methodist answered again with a make prior to the buzzer as it ultimately outscored the Cavs 29-12 in the period. As the two sides entered the intermission, the Pioneers possessed a 46-26 edge.
The visitors controlled play in the third quarter as well, besting the Cavaliers 23-13 across the 10-minute stretch. Spartanburg Methodist opened the quarter with a 7-0 spurt that extended its lead to 53-26. Williams halted the run with a make from deep at the 7:48 mark, but SMC maintained pressure with a sequence of layups and free throws.
Montreat's efforts were marked by turnovers, limiting its scoring opportunities despite contributions from Williams and
Ayanna Varela in the paint. The Pioneers' defense cashed in on those mistakes, converting them into transition baskets. Spartanburg Methodist led by as many as 33 points in the third, but
Se'Nai Camper's triple in the closing minute cut the score to 69-39 with one quarter to go.
Camper notched a pair of blocks early in the fourth frame, helping hold SMC at bay down the stretch. Meanwhile, Williams sparked the offense with makes from all over the court, and both
Rymiah Sanders and
Ella Kate Walraven hit shots to cap a 12-2 run that pulled the hosts within 78-59. Despite outscoring their opposition 23-17 in the final period, the Cavs couldn't overcome the disparity on the scoreboard. As the contest ended, Spartanburg Methodist walked away with an 86-62 triumph.
On the day, the Cavaliers went 24-for-66 from the field (36.4 percent), 8-for-27 from beyond the arc (29.6 percent) and 6-for-14 at the charity stripe (42.9 percent). The Pioneers connected on 41.2 percent of their overall shots (28-68 FG), 26.3 percent of their 3-point tries (5-19 3-pt FG) and 92.6 percent of their free-throw attempts (25-27 FT). Additionally, SMC held the edge in rebounds (45-40), assists (14-10), steals (12-3), turnovers (22-16), points in the paint (40-26) and points off turnovers (25-11).
Williams paced Montreat with 22 points, converting nine of her 18 shot attempts and three 3-pointers. The freshman matched her career-high outputs for both made field goals and points. Camper contributed significantly on the boards with a career-high and team-best eight rebounds. Winkler added nine points, connecting on four of six looks from the field. Walraven bolstered the effort with eight points and seven rebounds, five of which came on the offensive glass, while recording three assists. Sands also dished out a trio of helpers.
In its next matchup, Montreat will host Columbia International University on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at McAlister Gymnasium in Montreat, N.C. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
