LYNCHBURG, Va. - Randolph College women's basketball defeated Methodist 59-51 in a hard-fought contest at home.
Randolph jumped out to an early edge in the opening quarter, leading 15-12 after 10 minutes of play. Methodist struck first with a layup from but the WildCats responded behind the perimeter shooting of
Maddie Pabon, who knocked down a three-pointer at the 8:03 mark to give Randolph the lead.
Sophia Stevens provided a spark offensively, scoring multiple baskets in the paint before draining a three-pointer late in the quarter to extend the Randolph advantage.
Amaya Thrash also connected from long range midway through the period as the WildCats built momentum. Methodist kept pace with multiple baskets, but Randolph closed the quarter strong to carry a three-point lead into the second.
Randolph controlled much of the second quarter by leaning on its defense and turning Methodist turnovers into points. The WildCats opened the period with a layup and free throw from
Brooklyn Finnerty to extend the lead, then continued to apply pressure defensively, forcing multiple steals that led to transition opportunities. Stevens jump-started a 9-0 run with a fastbreak layup off a steal and later added points at the free-throw line as Randolph built its lead to as many as nine, 22-13.
Methodist responded midway through the quarter to cut into the deficit, but Randolph stayed composed and answered with timely free throws and defensive stops. Late buckets by the Monarchs narrowed the gap, yet the WildCats closed the half ahead 28-23, fueled by their defensive intensity and ability to capitalize on turnovers.
The third quarter featured a back-and-forth battle as Randolph and Methodist traded baskets while both teams rotated lineups extensively. Methodist opened the period with a jumper to cut the deficit to three, but Randolph responded quickly with a layup from
Lexanna Oge to retake a one-point edge. The teams continued exchanging scores, with Methodist staying close with multiple jumpers.
Randolph leaned on fastbreak opportunities to maintain their lead. Defensive pressure created turnovers that allowed the WildCats to convert transition points, including late-quarter points from Finnerty. Randolph's balanced scoring and timely free throws helped the WildCats build a 45-40 advantage heading into the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a competitive finish.
Randolph came out strong in the fourth, using turnovers and fastbreak opportunities to extend their lead. Scott and Jackson paced the scoring, while the WildCats' defense continued to force mistakes. Methodist responded with baskets, but Randolph maintained control, closing the quarter and the game with a 59-51 victory.
The team shot 40% from the field (18-45), 50% from three (4-8), and 57.6% from the free-throw line (19-33), while collecting 30 rebounds and dishing out 14 assists. Stevens led the way with 19 points, five assists, and three rebounds, supported by Scott (11 points, three assists), Jackson (eight points), and Edmond (five points, eight rebounds, four assists). The Randolph bench added 27 points, and the team converted 21 points off turnovers.
The WildCats are back in Giles Gymnasium on Monday when the team hosts Gallaudet at 2 p.m.
