ROCK HILL, S.C. – Behind a career-high 15 points and 14 rebounds from Sierra Hunter, Winthrop battled UNCW hard Wednesday evening, but fell 55-48 inside the Winthrop Coliseum.
 
Winthrop (0-7) | UNCW (2-5)
Dec. 1, 2021 | Winthrop Coliseum UNCW 55, Winthrop 48

How it Happened
First Quarter | The Seahawks scored the first six points of the game to take an early lead before Luka Malinka made a short jumper to break the ice for the Eagles. Later, consecutive three pointers from Leonor Paisana and Myra Strickland gave Winthrop an 8-6 lead. The teams see-sawed back and forth, with UNCW taking a 13-12 lead into the second period.

Second Quarter | The second quarter went on for two and a half minutes before the Seahawks drew first blood to take a 15-12 lead. Neither team scored for nearly four minutes with Ally Ross making a short jumper with under four minutes on the clock to draw the Eagles within one. The teams traded baskets once again before UNCW closed the half with an 8-0 run to take a nine point lead into the locker room.
 
Third Quarter | Winthrop came out of the locker room with force on the offensive end, but the Seahawks continued to play well and had an eight point lead almost four minutes into the second half. UNCW extended their lead to 37-25 before the Eagles went on a 7-0 run to end the quarter and stay within striking distance going into the final quarter. The run was spurred on by Hunter, who scored all seven points on three layups and a free throw.

Fourth Quarter | Hunter made a short jumper to open the final period, closing the lead to three points in the process. Winthrop stayed close, but a three pointer from UNCW with just over six minutes to play expanded the lead to eight, and the Eagles were unable to keep up. The lead expanded to 12 with three minutes to play, although Winthrop went on a 7-2 run to close the game and provide the final margin of seven. Statistical Standouts

• Sierra Hunter (career-high 15 points, 7-9 FG, career-high 14 rebounds, one block)
• Leonor Paisana (eight points, 3-4 FG, 2-2 3FG, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals, one block)
• Myra Strickland (eight points, one rebound)
• Ally Ross (seven points, four rebounds, one assist)

Up Next
Winthrop continues their homestand with a matchup against Western Carolina on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. FOLLOW US!
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