NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Trevecca Nazarene University women's basketball team (17-8, 14-2 G-MAC) defeated the Ursuline College Arrows (13-13, 8-8 G-MAC) 89-79 at the Trojan Fieldhouse. The win gives Trevecca the outright conference title for the second consecutive season. Trevecca will host the G-MAC Championships March 6-8 at the Trojan Fieldhouse.

The Trojans have won three in a row and 11 of their last 12. The Trojans are now 21-3 all-time in G-MAC regular season play. The Trojans have a 4-0 advantage in the all-time series with Ursuline.

The game was close throughout, though the Trojans pulled ahead 12-5 with 15:05 to go in the first half. It was the largest lead for either team in the opening half. Ursuline responded with an 8-0 run to pull ahead 13-12 on a Tajanee Wells layup at the 11:39 mark. Both teams held a four-point lead at one point during the remainder of the half, but neither could establish a larger margin. At the break Trevecca led 41-40.

TNU outscored UC 20-12 in the paint and 7-0 on fast break points.

The second half remained tight until the midway point. Ursuline led 63-62 with 11:29 to go and had hit nine (9-of-15) three-pointers at that point, but would miss the next eight attempts.  

Trevecca's defense began to clamp down with pressure on the Arrows bringing the ball up the floor and on their three-point shooters. The result was a slow rebuilding of the lead. Trevecca used a 6-0 run to take a five-point (68-63) lead with 9:18 to go. The Trojan lead expanded to eight (76-68) on a Kaci Britt Bell jumper with 3:36 to go and peaked at 10 (83-73) with 1:03 to go on Christina Curtner's free throw. Trevecca finished the game, again, with a 10-point 89-79 victory.

Trevecca's biggest advantage in the enhanced scoring categories was 12-4 in second chance scoring. That can largely be credited to the 49-42 edge in rebounding.

Curtner led the way with team highs in points (19), rebounds (11), and assists (6) while chipping in a steal. Senior Anna Mitchell contributed 17 points and seven rebounds as well as two blocks and a steal. Sarah Raby scored 14 while Helen Mitchner scored 10. Bell had nine rebounds, six points, five assists, and two steals.  

Trevecca outscored Ursuline 48-39 in the second half and shot 40% (27-68) from the field, 26% (5-19) from long range, and 81% (30-37) from the foul line.

Wells and Laney Lewis led the Arrows attack. Wells had a game-high 26 while Lewis had a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. UC was 6-of-11 from deep in the first half, but just 3-of-12 in the second half.

Gary Van Atta is now 188-92 in his 9th season at Trevecca. He conference record at Trevecca is 95-41 and is 21-3 in G-MAC games. His record during his time as a coach at four-year colleges is now 461-251. His record coaching on all levels is 590-304.

On March 6th Trevecca will host the quarterfinal round of the G-MAC Championships. Though game times are not confirmed, the schedule of games will look like this.

#3 Kentucky Wesleyan vs. #6 Ohio Valley

#2 Cedarville University vs. #7 Alderson Broaddus

#1 Trevecca Nazarene vs. #8 Central State

#4 Davis & Elkins vs. #5 Ursuline College

For more on the G-MAC Championships - Visit - G-MAC Championships Info

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