Braves sink Trojans at free throw line

By MOC Sports Information
Published in Sports on November 25, 2007 2:02 AM

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PEMBROKE -- Helen Moore pumped in a game-high 22 points, but UNC Pembroke survived on free throws in the closing minutes to defeat Mount Olive College 62-53 on Saturday afternoon.

The game was tied 36-36 early in the second half when Mount Olive (1-2 overall) went seven-plus minutes without a field goal. Natalie Ray's fast-break layup and conventional three-point play with 10:53 remaining capped a 9-0 run and gave the Braves their biggest lead, 45-36.

Tomeka Prichard's 3-pointer ended the Trojans' scoring drought. Moore's layup ignited an 8-0 run as MOC forged a 47-47 deadlock. Moore answered a UNCP basket with a jumper to create a 49-49 tie, but Ray's layup with 2:13 to go put the Braves ahead for good.

Pembroke hit 5 of 6 free throws to build the lead to nine before Moore's layup pulled the Trojans within 58-51 with 24 seconds left. But the Braves connected on four more free throws to close out the win.

Prichard finished with 11 points and shared team-high rebounding honors with Alisa Jones with seven boards. Prichard and Robich, who finished with nine points, each hit three 3-pointers. After shooting over 80 percent (26-for-31) from the foul line in Tuesday's win over Pfeiffer, Mount Olive converted just 33 percent (4 of 12) on Saturday.

Ray finished with 19 points and a game-high eight rebounds for UNC Pembroke. Jackson had 11 points and DeNeer Davis added 10 points. The Braves were 17 for 23 from the free throw line.

Mount Olive is off until Thursday when it visits Conference Carolinas rival Queens University of Charlotte. Tip-off is 5:30 p.m.