UNC Pembroke’s Historic Season Ends in NCAA First Round
BOX SCORE | SALISBURY, N.C. – Eighth-seeded UNC Pembroke couldn’t ask for a better start to the NCAA Division II Southeast Regional, but the Braves struggled after the opening 10 minutes as their historic season came to an end in a 57-40 loss to top-seeded and 13th-ranked Catawba in the first round of the national tournament.
The Braves, who finished the season 22-10, connected on their first three shots, all from behind the 3-point arc, for a 9-0 lead. Kalaya Hall opened the game with back-to-back treys and then a Zaria Clark steal led to a quick three points from Alcenia Purnell for the nine-point advantage. A 13-4 run by the Indians tied the score and the teams traded baskets to end the opening stanza tied at 15.
UNC Pembroke, who made its first-ever trip to the national tournament, shot a blistering 42.8 percent (6-for-14) from the field and hit 3-of-7 (42.8%) from long range in the first quarter, however, the Braves cooled off and made just three baskets in the second period and seven total over the final 30 minutes in the loss.
Hall finished with 15 points which tied Catawba’s Janiya Downs for the game-high. Purnell added eight points while Kelci Adeams poured in seven off the bench with a team-best six rebounds. Downs paced the Indians with eight boards while Lyrik Thorne added 13 points for the home team.
The Indians (26-5) will play the winner of Lenoir-Rhyne and Clayton State on Saturday in the quarterfinals.
Read the UNC Pembroke recap here.