SPARTANBURG, South Carolina - The University of Mount Olive women's basketball team fell to the Patriots of Francis Marion University 96-84 in the semifinals of the Conference Carolinas Tournament. The Trojans ladies concluded their season 17-5 overall and 15-4 in conference.  

INSIDE THE SCORE
The first quarter opened with two lead changes in the first two minutes as the teams exchanged points. UMO took a strong seven-point lead with 6:05 remaining 11-4. Mount Olive held the lead for the remainder of the first quarter, 27-21.

The second quarter saw an early Patriot point to cut the Trojan lead to five 27-22. Francis Marion did not stop there as they came within two of the Trojans with 7:59 remaining in the half. The Patriots tied the contest at 29 with a fast-break layup to 7:21 remaining. FMU took an aggressive seven-point lead over the Trojans 38-31. UMO could not answer the Patriots as Francis Marion closed out the second quarter with a 10 point lead 48-38. 

Mount Olive found their momentum early in the third quarter as they cut the Patriot lead to three 50-47 with 8:46 to go. A three-pointer for the Patriots extended their lead to eight later in the third quarter. UMO could not find an answer for the Patriots as FMU closed out the third quarter with a seven-point lead 72-65.

 Francis Marion saw the first points of the final quarter, extending their lead to nine 74-65. The Trojans answered with dominating offense to cut the Patriot led to four 81-77 with 3:40 remaining. UMO lost their momentum while Francis Marion took the 12-point victory 96-84.  

MOUNT OLIVE LEADERS

Ayonna Cotton led the Trojans with 22 points, while Sherry Johnson took home 10 rebounds. 

PATRIOTS LEADERS

The Patriots were led by Scarlett Gilmore with 28 points.

UP NEXT

The Trojan ladies prepare for the 2022-23 season.