ELIZABETH CITY – The University of Mount Olive women's basketball team used its depth, rebounding advantage, and strong second-half defense to secure a 68–57 nonconference victory over Elizabeth City State on Tuesday afternoon at the R.L. Vaughan Center.

The Trojans (3–7) turned a one-point halftime deficit into a double-digit lead by the final minute, outscoring the Vikings 33–21 over the final two quarters to pull away down the stretch.

Mount Olive finished with three players in double figures, led by Jayla Hicks and Jerin Truesdale, who scored 15 points apiece. Aniyah Vanhook added 13 points off the bench, while Savannah McAfee chipped in nine points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

After the teams went into the locker room with Elizabeth City State holding a slim 36–35 advantage, Mount Olive took control in the third quarter behind improved defensive pressure and second-chance scoring. 

The Trojans held the Vikings to just 10 points in the period, closing the quarter on a 10–2 run to take a 51–46 lead. Jerin Truesdale ignited the run with an and-one layup with just under two minutes remaining in the quarter. 

Elizabeth City State answered with a layup of its own, but the Vikings were held scoreless the rest of the period. Aniyah Vanhook and Jayla Hicks combined for six points down the stretch, as Vanhook converted a pair of free throws and a pull-up jumper off a Hicks assist. Hicks added a steal and a fast-break layup before the Vanhook setup, giving the Trojans a 51–46 advantage heading into the fourth.

The momentum carried into the fourth, where Mount Olive extended its advantage with consistent inside scoring and trips to the free-throw line. The Trojans shot 72.2 percent from the foul line and pushed the lead to as many as 12 points in the final minute.

Mount Olive dominated the glass, finishing with a 45–19 rebounding edge, and scored 42 points in the paint. The Trojans also capitalized on second chances, holding a 16–4 advantage in second-chance points, while the bench contributed 28 points.

Mount Olive returns to action looking to build on the strong defensive finish and balanced scoring effort displayed on the road. They will host Emmanuel to begin the new year, Jan. 3, at 2 pm at Princeton High School.