Boxscore
PENSACOLA, Fla. – The Goldey-Beacom College women's basketball team dropped a 76-64 decision to the University of South Carolina Aiken on Fri. afternoon in the opening game of the Thanksgiving Classic hosted by the University of West Florida.
The Pacers, who are now 5-1 and received votes in the latest national poll, slowly built a lead in the first half after the Lightning had an early 10-6 edge a little over four minutes into the game. GBC went into the half trailing, 38-31.
Still a seven point game (46-39) approaching the 17-minute mark, USC Aiken began to create some daylight thanks to a 12-2 run, making it a 58-41 score with 11:49 to go.
The Lightning showed their resolve and shrunk the deficit to just 60-54 at the 4:06 mark in large part due to seven consecutive points by Weldon. However, USCA put the game to rest with a 10-2 burst to take a 70-56 lead and hung on for the 76-64 victory.
The Pacers placed five scorers in double-figures, including Nakia Pinkney (16 points), Kayla Harris (11 points), Hannah DeGraffinreed (10 points, seven rebounds), Deandra Schirmer (10 points, six rebounds) and Brittany Bowen (10 points).
GBC shot the ball better (42%-38%) and held a 36-32 rebounding edge but were -8 in turnovers (26-18) and fell victim to USCA's procession to the foul line. The Pacers made an impressive 29-of-32 free throws while the Lightning hit 14-of-20 at the stripe.
The Lightning are back in action tomorrow when they face the host University of West Florida for a 4 p.m. (CT) start.
