BEREA, Ky. – The Covenant women's basketball team lost a close road contest against the Mountaineers Tuesday evening, 49-46.
The Berea win helps them retain their spot atop the USA South West with an undefeated 12-0 conference record and an overall 18-3 record.
In a game that saw eight ties and nine lead changes, the Scots gave the top-seeded Mountaineers a run for their money, coming out strong in the first quarter. Covenant used an 8-3 scoring run during the period to come out with a five point lead (12-7) after 10 minutes of play.
A hot-shooting Mountaineer squad came out in the second quarter, though, as they would outscore the visiting Scots, 18-9. The run helped them take a four point lead going into the half (25-21).
The Scots were then able to regroup during halftime, as they began to chip away at Berea's lead in the third quarter. Five made-free throws from Covenant allowed them to record a 5-0 run and tie it up at 30 at the 4:15 mark of the period.
A pair of free throws from Megan Rouse and a jumper from Ruthie Moore in the last remaining minutes of the quarter allowed the Scots to take a 34-32 lead heading into the final period.
The back-and-forth action continued into the fourth quarter, as both teams began to trade baskets. Another pair of free throws from Rouse made it 42-42 with 3:30 left to play.
Destiny Combs answered with two made free throws of her own a few seconds later to give Berea back the lead. But, Rouse would tie it up once again with a jumper at the 2:51 mark (44-44).
A Rouse layup assisted by Moore gave Covenant a two point lead with 2:12 to play (46-44). But, back-to-back layups from Combs gave the Mountaineers a 48-46 edge with just over one minute left in regulation.
The Scots had a chance to tie or take the lead with 30 seconds left, but a missed jumper followed by fouls allowed Berea to take a three point lead with one second left on the clock (49-46).
With one second left, the ball was inbounded to Karis McIntosh who had one second to turn and shoot. But, her attempt was blocked by Berea's defense, allowing them to earn the 49-46 victory.
Covenant was led by Moore who had 12 points and 11 rebounds. It was the third double-double in the last four games for the junior. Rouse and Cosette Kirsch both added 11 points, while Rouse also recorded four blocks.
Combs led Berea with 13 points and nine rebounds. Aaliyah Hampton contributed 11 points.
The Scots fall to 7-9 overall and 4-6 in conference play.
UP NEXT
Covenant will return home to face Brevard on Thursday, February 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS
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