OWENSBORO, Ky. — Kentucky Wesleyan women's basketball mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback against No. 13 Carson-Newman on Saturday night, but the Panthers came up just short in a 76-72 loss at the Owensboro Sportscenter.
After trailing by 20 points at halftime, Kentucky Wesleyan outscored the Eagles 31-15 in the fourth quarter to make things interesting down the stretch. The Panthers cut a 19-point deficit to two in the final seconds, but Carson-Newman held on to escape with the four-point victory.
Emma Bruwer led the Panthers with 19 points, connecting on six of 14 shots from the field and two 3-pointers while going 5-for-5 at the free-throw line.
Hilary Shikuku added 12 points, while
Georgia Acompanado finished with eight points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Kentucky Wesleyan found its rhythm offensively in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter.
Lily Hoagland knocked down a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to 16, and Bruwer followed with a basket in transition. The Panthers continued to chip away, with Bruwer and
Alexis Shehan connecting from beyond the arc as the lead dwindled.
Bruwer's three-point play with 1:52 remaining brought the Panthers within seven, and Acompanado followed with a steal and layup to make it a five-point game. Acompanado added another jumper with 49 seconds remaining before Bruwer knocked down two free throws to pull Kentucky Wesleyan within two, 74-72, with 12 seconds left.
Carson-Newman converted two free throws of its own to push the lead back to four, and the Eagles held on through the final seconds.
The Panthers finished with 38 rebounds, including 14 on the offensive glass, and forced 21 Carson-Newman turnovers. Kentucky Wesleyan also received 26 points from its bench.
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The Panthers will travel for the first time this season for a matchup against Indianapolis on November 15 with tip-off at 1 p.m. CT.
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