Wallace scores career-high 29 points, UMO women fall

By Cam Ellis
Published in Sports on February 7, 2015 11:36 PM

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cellis@newsargus.com

MOUNT OLIVE -- The players couldn't help but hang their heads.

After another heartbreaking loss -- the second in a four-day period -- the University of Mount Olive women's basketball team was left looking for answers.

A turnover off an inbounds play with 4 seconds left proved the final blunder in what had been a number of late-game mistakes in a 66-62 loss to Conference Carolinas foe North Greenville (S.C.) University on Saturday afternoon.

The loss spoiled a career night from senior forward Ty Wallace, who scored a career-high 29 points and shot 68 percent from the floor. She shouldered the scoring load, especially in the post with Arieal Johnson sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Still, UMO outscored North Greenville, 40-28, in the paint.

Wallace, though, received very little offensive support. Fellow starters Ni'Ya Styles, Ana Zjacic and Tommarah Harries combined to shoot 8 of 30 from the field. The Trojans shot 38 percent as a team.

"We didn't really have another offensive presence in the lineup," UMO head coach Wendy Lee said. "Everybody was putting forth an effort, but it just didn't fall."

Guard Alishia Hope led North Greenville with 18 points and eight rebounds. Emily Wampler (16 points) and Timisty Nelson (12) also helped the Crusaders sweep the regular-season series.

With both the players and the coaching staff noticeably upset after yet another close loss, Lee gathered her team at halfcourt immediately after the game to give them some words of encouragement.

"They're just trying to pull together and stay tough and stay strong," she said. "We don't have time to hang our heads and get discouraged because it can get worse. We're at least in a position to win these games, and now we just need to put it all together."

The Lady Trojans hit the road next week for games at Southern Wesleyan and Belmont Abbey.