MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive women’s basketball team saw a competitive start give way to a tough second half, as the Trojans fell 65–45 to UNC Pembroke on Wednesday night inside Kornegay Arena.
The two teams traded baskets throughout a tightly contested opening quarter, finishing the period tied 14–14. Jada Priebe provided an early spark for Mount Olive, drilling two three-pointers to help the Trojans briefly pull ahead midway through the first.
Momentum shifted in the second quarter as UNC Pembroke found its rhythm offensively. Mount Olive struggled to generate consistent scoring, allowing the Braves to build a 28–19 lead by halftime.
Despite the deficit, the Trojans continued to battle, matching UNC Pembroke’s scoring with a 14-point fourth quarter and showing resilience on both ends of the floor. Mount Olive forced 16 turnovers and capitalized in transition, outscoring the Braves on fast-break opportunities.
Priebe led the Trojans with 12 points, followed by Aniyah Vanhook with 10 points and Jayla Hicks with nine. Savannah McAfee anchored the effort on the boards, recording a team-high nine rebounds while adding four points. Mount Olive finished the game with 29 total rebounds.
The Trojans will look to bounce back on the road as they face Southern Wesleyan in a rescheduled matchup on Friday at 3 p.m. in Central, South Carolina.
