Paladins Lose Heartbreaker
Caia Elisaldez scored a season high 24 points and Chattanooga used a decisive second quarter to secure the lead and hold off a late Furman run to claim a 68-60 victory in Southern Conference women’s basketball action Saturday afternoon at Hayes Gymnasium on the campus of North Greenville University. The game had a amazing crowd turnout and they would play a huge factor in the Paladins making it close. Though many felt the officiating job was much to be desired, as there was many questionable calls and way too many meetings that lead to Paladins losing momentum, fans appreciated the guts the ladies gave to stay in it.
Elisaldez, a sophomore guard, connected on 8-of-16 shots from the field and was near perfect at the free throw line, converting 8-of-9 opportunities, which she combined with five assists to pace Chattanooga (10-10, 5-2 SoCon). Brook Anya followed Elisaldez in the scoring column with 12 points, and Sigrun Olafsdottir rounded out the Mocs’ double figure scoring effort with 11 points.
Sidney Ryan topped four Paladins in double figures with 15 points, followed by Clare Coyle with 13 and Tate Walters and Raina McGowens with 12 each.
Leading 15-14 after one period, Furman (12-11, 2-5 Socon) was outscored 17-5 in the second period, which turned heavily in the Mocs’ favor over the final two and a half minutes of play. Â After Olafsdottir put down a layup to give UTC a 25-20 lead, both teams missed shots before Furman’s bench was whistled for a technical foul during a Paladin possession. Â Elisaldez converted the two free throw opportunities, which she followed with a jump shot on the ensuing possession to stretch UTC’s edge to 29-20, and Ava Card completed the late 8-0 spurt with a jumper in the final minute to send the Mocs into the halftime locker room with a 31-20 lead. Chattanooga led by 15 points in the third quarter before Furman trimmed UTC’s advantage to 46-39 on Coyle layup with 17 seconds remaining in the period.
Chattanooga finished the contest with a 28-27 edge in rebounding.
The Paladins return home on February 8th at Bons Secours Wellness Arena to face Wofford at 2pm. Make sure to
get your tickets today and see you at the Well!!
