Despite a determined effort on their home court, Wesleyan (Ga.) fell to Maryville (Tenn.) 74-27 in a CCS matchup. The Wolves (0-15, 0-9 CCS) showed grit and heart but couldn't overcome the offensive surge from the Scots (6-11, 5-3 CCS).
First Half:
Maryville came out strong, dominating the first quarter with a 22-9 lead, fueled by sharp shooting from guard Ella Tharpe, who finished the game with 17 points on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting. Ella Haney also contributed significantly, adding 14 points and grabbing 3 rebounds. Wesleyan fought to stay in the game early, with Mar'Reonna Little providing key baskets and leading her team with 11 points, including a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line.
However, the Scots' relentless offense and tight defense kept Wesleyan at bay, as Maryville extended their lead to 43-17 by halftime.
Second Half:
The second half proved challenging for Wesleyan as the Scots continued to dominate both ends of the court. Maryville's bench contributed effectively, with Braxton Fritz going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field for 9 points and Niles Daniel adding 7 points and 5 rebounds. The Wolves struggled offensively, shooting just 22.4% from the field and only connecting on 1 of 9 attempts from beyond the arc.
Despite the offensive struggles, Wesleyan showed resilience. Zariah Davis hustled for 5 points and 4 rebounds, while Kalynn Smith added 4 points off the bench. The Wolves continued to fight for every possession, but Maryville's balanced attack and solid defense sealed the game.
Final Thoughts:
Wesleyan may not have secured their first win, but their effort and determination were evident. The Wolves will look to regroup and build on the positives as they prepare for their next matchup. Maryville, on the other hand, showcased their depth and teamwork, moving to 5-3 in conference play with an impressive all-around performance.