HICKORY, NC - Playing in front of a raucous crowd of local middle schoolers, the Lenoir-Rhyne Women's Basketball team fell 68-55 to Wingate in their home opener. Sophomore Alexandra Merceron scored 11 points in the game and has now scored in double-figures in all six of Lenoir-Rhyne's games this season. 

 INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Lenoir-Rhyne 55, Wingate 68
Records: Lenoir-Rhyne (2-4, 1-3 SAC), Wingate (3-3, 2-1 SAC)
Location: Hickory, NC | Shuford Arena

STATS OF THE MATCH:

• Wingate took a small lead early, closing the opening quarter on a 5-0 run to lead 19-12 after one.
• The Bulldogs took a 34-23 lead with 1:32 remaining in the half.
• Lenoir-Rhyne used five points from Blaikley Crooks and two from Alexandra Merceron to cut the Wingate lead to 36-30 just before the break.
• The Bears quickly tied the game at 38-38 in the third quarter thanks to a layup from Venssa Jurewicz. 
• A three from Tilda Lindstrom sparked an 8-1 Bears run.
• Maleiya Hill hit a jumper just before the third quarter buzzer to give LR a five point lead with 10 minutes to go.
• The Bears shot just 1-14 in the fourth and were outscored 21-3. 
• Blaikley Crooks led the Bears with 15 points and five boards. 
• The Bears shot 20-54 (37%) from the field and 9-30 (30%) from three.
• Wingate was an even 29-58 (50%) from the field and 3-8 (37.5%) from three.
• The difference was in the paint, as LR was outscored 38-14 in that category. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Lenoir-Rhyne is just 17-64 all-time against the Bulldogs.
• Alexandra Merceron currently leads the team with 13.7 ppg.

UP NEXT: Lenoir-Rhyne will host UVA Wise on Saturday in Shuford Arena. The Cavaliers currently sit at 4-2 (1-1 SAC) and face Catawba later tonight. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Anyone who attends the Lenoir-Rhyne football game prior will get in free to the game.