Jasmine McDonald and Tamara Nesmith posted career-highs in rebounds, but Mount Olive could not overcome shooting struggles and a short bench in a 54-49 loss to Barton in Conference Carolinas women's basketball action Tuesday night at Kornegay Arena. McDonald's 18 rebounds are the third most recorded in a single game in program history. Nesmith finished with 17 boards, tying her for fourth all-time.

The "Battle of the East" was a slugfest from start to finish. Neither team led by more than four points the first 28 minutes of the contest. Both teams smothered opposing shooters, as the teams combined to shoot 21-of-75 from the field in the first half.

In the second half, Barton was able to find its shooting touch down the stretch. The Bulldogs built a nine-point lead on a jumper by Janetta Robinson with 8:32 left. Mount Olive closed the lead back to 44-42 with 4:04 left with a 9-2 run of its own. The Trojans (17-6 overall, 11-3 Conference Carolinas) forced three turnovers during the run and grabbed six of their 34 offensive rebounds in the game. Though the Trojans continued to struggle from the field, they continued to get second and third opportunities at the basket. Nesmith's seventh offensive rebound of the game brought the Trojans within 44-42.

Nyeshea Willie answered with a three-pointer, but Mount Olive got back within two again on a McDonald steal and lay-up with 1:23 remaining. Mount Olive could not get over the hump, however. The Trojans hurt themselves at the free throw line, missing five of their final six attempts.

Mount Olive outrebounded Barton 60-49, and five Trojans recorded at least four offensive rebounds. A 25-percent shooting performance by the Trojans was too much to overcome. Mount Olive also used just seven players due to injury.

Ty Wallace and Ansia Dial were strong contributors for Mount Olive. Wallace scored four points and grabbed five rebounds, while Dial had two points, two blocks and a steal.

McDonald led all scorers with 17 points to go along with three steals. Andrea Jones added 12 points, while Nesmith had eight points, five assists and five steals.

Willie and Robinson each scored 16 for Barton (16-7 overall, 11-3 Conference Carolinas), who pulled into a tie atop the Eastern Division standings two weeks away from the conference tournament. The two teams split their regular season meetings, with each team winning on the other's home floor.

Mount Olive returns to action Saturday as the Trojans play host to Erskine in the 29th Annual Mount Olive College Basketball Church Night. Special admission price is available for area church groups. Last year's Basketball Church Night was recognized as a 2010-11 NCAA Division II Game Environment Award of Excellence winner. Tip-off is 5 p.m. at Kornegay Arena.

The contest also marks Senior Night as Trojan women's basketball senior Chantel Gaines will be recognized, as will senior cheerleaders Hannah Guffey and Samantha Sawvel.