The Carolina University Women’s Basketball team concluded its regular season with an 85-79 loss to Spartanburg Methodist at Bridges Arena in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on Saturday. The Bruins now have a record of 7-18.
Carolina faced a 16-point deficit early in the third quarter but narrowed the gap with a strong fourth-quarter effort. Despite shooting 47.5 percent from the field and making 10 of their 23 three-point attempts, the Bruins could not overcome Spartanburg Methodist’s decisive third-quarter run.
Dearia Page led Carolina with 23 points, collected a game-high 15 rebounds, and provided seven assists. Maria Beltran contributed nine points off the bench by hitting three shots from beyond the arc. Tynilla Simpkins scored 11 points and made important free throws late in the game. Angelina Jordan also finished with 11 points, while Mya Smith added 10.
The Bruins trailed by seven after the first quarter but outscored Spartanburg Methodist in the second period to close within three points at halftime. However, a strong third quarter by Spartanburg Methodist extended their lead to 66-52 heading into the final period.
Carolina scored 27 points in the fourth quarter and reduced the margin to just three points in the closing minutes before Spartanburg Methodist secured victory at the free throw line.
Head Coach Hannah Latiolais commented on her team’s performance: “I’m proud of the way our group competed for 40 minutes,” said Latiolais. “We faced adversity on the road, but our response in the fourth quarter showed the heart and toughness of this team. Now our focus shifts to tournament play, where it’s about execution and playing our best basketball at the right time.”
The Bruins will next compete in the Continental Athletic Conference (CAC) Tournament, beginning Friday, February 27 at Georgia Gwinnett College against No. 4 seed Washington Adventist.
Carolina University Bruins Women’s Basketball Team is part of NCAA Division III athletics and competes both within conference play and non-conference matchups as part of its university’s athletic program (official website). The team also supports student-athletes’ efforts to balance academics with athletics while contributing to Carolina University’s sports heritage (official website).
