Tigerville, S.C.—The North Greenville women’s basketball team fell to 6-13 on the season, and 4-11 in Conference Play on Thursday night, after an 87-68 defeat at the hands of the Pfeiffer University Falcons.

Ashleigh Edwards was the leading scorer for the Crusaders with 13 points, she also recorded five assists. Alisha Hope was NGU’s only other double figure scorer with 12 points. The Crusaders shot just 36.8% from the field for the game while the Falcons were slightly better shooting at a 39.1% clip. Pfeiffer was 7 of 23 from beyond the arch.

North Greenville’s only lead of the game, came early in the first half, when the Crusaders led 5-2 after an Ashleigh Edwards’ three pointer. The Falcons then took demanding control of the game, outscoring NGU 25-5 over the next 10 minutes to take a 28-10 lead.

The Crusaders would hang around and cut the lead to 14 at intermission after a last second buzzer beater from just in front of the half court line splashed true for Ashleigh Edwards.

In the second half, the Crusaders continued to fight, but the Falcons wouldn’t relinquish their lead, answering all of NGU’s challenges. North Greenville would pull as close as 12 points, but Pfeiffer’s high powered offense proved too much. The Falcons led by as many as 24 during the 2^nd period of play.

The Falcons outrebounded North Greenville 58-37, turning the advantage into 16 second points, compared to just 7 for the Crusaders. North Greenville’s bench once again shined, outscoring the Pfeiffer bench players 27-9. Pfeiffer also edged the Crusaders 38-32 in points in the paint.

The Falcons boasted four players in double figures, including wbhoBrittany Cox led all scorers with 31 total points, with four blocks on defense. Christina Harvey was next on the list with the game only double-double, registering 19 points and 17 rebounds. Kellie Rhoney had 13 for Pfeiffer, while Jodie Lemons scored 12. The win over North Greenville puts the Falcons at 17-3 on the season, and 12-3 in league play; good enough for third place.

The Crusaders are now two games behind the 8^th place King Tornadoes and Lees-McRae Bobcats. The Crusaders will return to the court on Saturday afternoon when they take on Coker in Hayes Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 2pm.