Lander LANDER 9-16 7-11

USCA USCA 8-18 5-13

Lander LANDER

9-16 7-11

Final

Feb. 21, 2026

USCA USCA

8-18 5-13

Score By Periods
Team	1	2	3	4	F
Lander LANDER	10	16	11	14	51
USCA USCA	21	10	13	10	54

Summary
Box Score

Jason Guth

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | 2/21/2026 5:08:00 PM | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Cold Shooting Hurts Lander in Narrow 54-51 Loss at USCA

AIKEN, S.C. - The Lander University women's basketball team struggled to overcome cold shooting and a rebounding deficit Saturday afternoon, falling 54-51 on the road to the University of South Carolina Aiken in Peach Belt Conference play.

Lander (9-16, 7-11 PBC) trailed for nearly the entire contest after the USCA (8-18, 5-13 PBC) seized the lead midway through the opening quarter and never relinquished it. Despite multiple late defensive stops, the Bearcats were unable to complete the comeback, as missed shots and second-chance opportunities proved costly.

Quadaija Langley led the Bearcats with 17 points and three steals, while Trinity Thomas added eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Jazz Frierson provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight points on an efficient 4-of-5 shooting performance. Alindria Dudley chipped in seven points and seven steals, and Kayla Tilus controlled the glass with a team-high nine rebounds.

Lander showed defensive intensity throughout, forcing 27 turnovers and converting them into 23 points. The Bearcats also recorded 13 steals and five blocks, keeping the pressure on and giving themselves opportunities to stay within striking distance.

However, offensive struggles ultimately prevented Lander from taking control. The Bearcats shot just 31.7% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc, while also converting only 7-of-15 free throw attempts. Several missed opportunities at the rim and from the perimeter stalled momentum during key stretches.

Rebounding also played a major role in the outcome, as USCA held a 49-38 advantage on the boards and outscored Lander 12-6 in second-chance points. The Pacers depth proved impactful as well, with its bench contributing 38 points compared to Lander's 15.

USCA built its largest lead at 23-12 in the second quarter, but Lander remained within reach thanks to its defense. The Bearcats cut the deficit to one possession late in the fourth quarter, but timely baskets and defensive stops by the Pacers preserved the narrow victory.

Despite the loss, Lander's defensive effort and ability to generate turnovers kept the game close, but shooting inconsistencies and rebounding struggles prevented the Bearcats from completing the comeback.

Lander will turn its attention to the final two Peach Belt Conference games of the regular season, with postseason positioning on the line as the Bearcats look to secure a spot in the eight-team conference tournament. Lander will first host Georgia College on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at Finis Horne Arena, with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

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