Lander Lander 13-12; 8-10

USCA USCA 6-22; 3-15

Lander Lander

13-12; 8-10

Final

Mar. 01, 2025

USCA USCA

6-22; 3-15

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Lander Lander	17	12	16	20	65
USCA USCA	14	23	14	13	64

Summary
Box Score

Bob Stoner

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 3/1/2025 5:58:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Lander Edges USC Aiken to Close Regular Season, Eyes PBC Tournament

Aiken, S.C. - In a dramatic finish to the regular season, the Lander Bearcats secured a narrow 65-64 victory over USC Aiken on Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center. The win gives Lander crucial momentum heading into the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, with the tournament brackets set to be released Sunday afternoon.

Lander (13-12, 8-10 PBC) battled through a tough shooting night but found a way to grind out the win, overcoming a halftime deficit with clutch fourth-quarter free throws. The Pacers (6-22, 3-15 PBC) put up an intense fight, but Lander's defense held firm in the final minutes to secure the one-point victory.

How it Happened

The Bearcats came out strong, shooting 43.7 percent (7-of-16) from the field while holding the Pacers to just 12 shots. Shcira Fowles established her presence early with nine points and three rebounds.

USC Aiken flipped the script in the second period, outscoring Lander 23-12 and taking a 37-29 halftime lead. The Bearcats struggled offensively, shooting just 26.3 percent (5-of-19) from the field and going 0-of-4 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Pacers capitalized on second-chance opportunities.

Lander responded with a more balanced third quarter, cutting into the deficit despite continued struggles from three-point range (0-of-5). Quadaija Langley and Trinity Thomas combined for 10 points in the frame. The Pacers remained efficient from the free-throw line (6-of-6), but Lander's defensive adjustments kept them within striking distance.

Down six entering the final period, Lander turned up the pressure. The Bearcats shot 90 percent (9-of-10) from the free-throw line in the closing minutes, including clutch shots from Langley and Fowles. A jumper by Jazz Frierson with seven seconds left proved pivotal, giving Lander a late lead. The defense held USCA to 33.3 percent (5-of-15) shooting in the quarter, forcing key stops in the final possessions to seal the win.

Final Thoughts

"Victory doesn't always come the way you want, but finding a way in clutch situations that builds poise and confidence is just what we need heading into postseason play," stated Head Coach Colie Shelwick.

Key Performers

Quadaija Langley: 16 points, five rebounds, 8-of-10 FT
Shcira Fowles: 16 points, 13 rebounds (Double-double), 5-of-6 FT
Jazz Frierson: nine points, five rebounds, 2 steals

Looking Ahead
With the win, Lander finishes the regular season above .500 and gains momentum heading into postseason play. The Peach Belt Conference Tournament brackets will be released Sunday afternoon, setting the stage for the Bearcats' upcoming challenge.

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