Ferrum, Va. – The Ferrum Panthers battled into the fourth quarter but came up short against the University of Mount Olive, falling 73–67 Wednesday evening at Swartz Gymnasium in Conference Carolinas women's basketball action. Ferrum was led by Breyana Kimmons' 15 points, while Maslyn Mosbacher added 10 points and Kleiauna Riddick chipped in nine.

RECORDS
Mount Olive 8-18, 5-15 CC
Ferrum 9-20, 7-13 CC

THE BASICS
Ferrum opened the game strong, taking a 19–18 lead after the first quarter and extending the advantage to 38–31 at halftime. The Panthers used a balanced offensive effort in the opening half and built their largest lead of 10 points late in the second quarter following a three-pointer by Kimmons.

Mount Olive responded with a decisive third quarter, shooting nearly 77 percent from the field and outscoring Ferrum 26–17 to trim the deficit to 57–55 entering the final period.

The Trojans carried that momentum into the fourth, capitalizing at the free-throw line and converting 8-of-10 attempts in the final 10 minutes. Ferrum stayed within striking distance, but Mount Olive's efficiency down the stretch secured the six-point win.

Ferrum finished the contest shooting 42.9 percent (24-of-56) from the floor and knocked down nine three-pointers. The Panthers held a 36–29 rebounding edge and received 21 bench points. Mount Olive shot 47.2 percent overall and went 17-of-20 from the free-throw line.

KEY STATS

Mount Olive: Kayla Jackson 18 pts; Aniyah Vanhook 18 pts; Jerin Truesdale 14 pts
Ferrum: Kimmons 15 pts; Mosbacher 10 pts; Riddick 9 pts

UP NEXT
Coach Bryan Harvey's team will turn its attention to the Conference Carolinas Tournament, which begins Sunday, March 1. Ferrum will play UNC Pembroke at 5 pm. That game will be hosted by Lees McRae.