TIGERVILLE, S.C. – Sophomore guard Ellen Nardella tallied a team-high 17 points, but it was not enough as the Converse basketball team lost at North Greenville on Saturday afternoon. 

GAME INFORMATION

Score: Converse 57, North Greenville 66

Records: Converse (3-21, 2-13 CC), North Greenville (10-10, 8-8 CC)

Location: Tigerville, S.C., North Greenville University, Hayes Gymnasium 

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• Ashley Sides scored 11 in the loss, while Alexis McMillian chipped in nine points for the Vals.
• Lindsey Hardin tallied six points off the bench to go along with a career-high seven rebounds.
• The Valkyries were 20-of-55 from the floor (36.4%), but did knock down 11 threes.
• North Greenville dominated the boards, 44-18.

HOW IT HAPPENED

First Quarter

After NGU tallied the first basket of the game, Anna King knocked down a jumper for Converse, sparking a 10-0 run midway through the opening quarter. That advantage grew to double-digits (14-4) following back-to-back layups from King and McMillian. However, the Crusaders scored the final six points of the quarter. 

Second Quarter

Three consecutive makes from behind the arc for Converse allowed the Valkyries to regain the 10-point lead (23-13) with 6:29 remaining in the first half. After North Greenville secured the next four points, Nardella hit from deep to make the score 26-17. The Crusaders finished the half on a run of 8-1, but Converse clung to the 27-25 lead at the intermission. 

Third Quarter

North Greenville collected the first four points of the second half, earning its first lead since 2-0, but Nardella continued to knock down shots, drilling a deep three to give Converse the lead back (30-29). Over the next four-plus minutes of game action, NGU used a spurt of 12-4 in order to sit comfortably ahead, 41-34, with three minutes remaining in the quarter. Converse ended the period scoring six of the final 10 points, but trailed 45-40 heading to the fourth. 

Fourth Quarter

Tori Henderson gave Converse a big spark to begin the final period, connecting on a layup and two free throws before Nardella's layup pushed the Purple and Gold back ahead at 46-45. However, that was the last lead Converse would have as North Greenville took control of the game, racing ahead 57-48 with a crucial run of 12-2. From that point, the Valkyries could not catch up, eventually dropping a tough 66-57 game. 

UP NEXT

The Valkyries will be back in action on Wednesday, February 5 as they play host to Belmont Abbey. Tipoff for that contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. inside Hannah Gymnasium.