MOC women beat St. Augustine's

By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on November 10, 2012 11:35 PM

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MOC Sports Information

RALEIGH -- Senior Tamara Nesmith sank one of two free throws in the closing seconds, and Mount Olive College opened its 2012-13 women's basketball season with a 61-57 triumph over in-state foe St. Augustine's on Friday evening.

The Trojan women improved to 5-3 in season-opening games since 2005.

JUCO transfer Alexandra Silva pumped in 17 points for MOC. Nesmith supplied a double-double -- 16 points, 13 rebounds. Kirksten Mitchell contributed 12 points and Jasmine McDonald collected 10.

Freshmen Anamaria Zjacic and Shy'Lia Buie helped spark a defense that forced the Lady Falcons into 19 turnovers in the first half, and a 5-for-26 performance from 3-point range.

A 3-pointer by Regime McCombs put St. Augustine's up 35-34 with 14:24 remaining in the second half. A 25-12 run over the next 11 minutes nearly ended the drama. Mount Olive made its move on the strength of its rebounding, especially on the offensive end.

The Trojans grabbed 11 offensive rebounds after intermission.

Silva scored three consecutive baskets, then putbacks by Mitchell and McDonald made it 53-46 with four minutes remaining. After a blocked shot by Jasmine Cuffee, another second-chance delivery, this time a 3-pointer by Mitchell, put the Trojans ahead by 10.

Trailing 58-46 after two McDonald free throws, the Lady Falcons began their march back. Two Trojan turnovers and four missed free throws in the final two minutes gave St. Augustine's a chance. But the Lady Falcons' inability to hit free throws (10 for 30 in the contest) was their undoing.

MOC (1-0 overall) returns to action Nov. 17 against Converse (S.C.) College during the 47th annual Pickle Classic. It's the Conference Carolinas opener for both teams.