Despite a spirited second quarter, Charlotte Women’s Basketball struggled to maintain momentum and fell to the Davidson Wildcats by a score of 82-55 in the annual Battle for the 704 Cup. Coach Tomekia Reed emphasized the need for sharper execution and focus as the team prepares for its next challenge.

Unyielding Effort Not Enough as Niners Face Setback Before Break

Initial Struggles Pave Way for Wildcat Dominance

Davidson entered the contest with a clear offensive strategy, executing flawlessly from the opening tip. The Wildcats displayed remarkable efficiency, connecting on nine of their first 11 shots, propelling them to an early 30-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. Nine different players contributed to the scoring effort, showcasing Davidson's depth and versatility. This well-rounded performance set the tone for what would become a challenging afternoon for the Charlotte squad.Coach Tomekia Reed noted that her team was not fully prepared for the intensity of the game's outset. "We came out flat in several areas today," she remarked. Despite this initial setback, the Niners showed resilience and adjusted their approach heading into the second quarter. By attacking the basket more aggressively and capitalizing on free throw opportunities, Charlotte managed to narrow the gap. Their defensive adjustments also paid dividends, significantly reducing Davidson's shooting percentage from 81% in the first quarter to just 18% in the second. These efforts fueled a brief comeback, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

Second Half Turnovers Prove Costly

The third quarter proved pivotal as turnovers became a recurring issue for Charlotte. Seven giveaways in the first 10 minutes of the second half provided Davidson with easy scoring opportunities. Katie Donovan emerged as a standout performer, contributing 14 of her game-high 24 points during this period alone. Davidson capitalized on these mistakes, extending their lead to as much as 30 points. The Wildcats' efficient shooting—52.9% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range—was instrumental in securing their victory.Coach Reed acknowledged the importance of learning from this experience. "While this was not a good way to go into Christmas break, I reminded the team to hold their heads high," she said. "Spend time with family and come back focused on improving. We had won two games in a row leading up to this match, so we must continue to believe in ourselves."

Statistical Highlights and Key Performances

Charlotte demonstrated strength on the boards, outrebounding Davidson 33 to 32. Keanna Rembert led the charge with seven rebounds, while Hayleigh Breland and Kay Kay Green also reached double figures in scoring. The trio combined for five steals, with Green contributing three. Free throw accuracy was another bright spot, as the Niners shot an impressive 85% from the line (17 for 20). However, their struggles from beyond the arc—missing all three attempts—ended a 51-game streak of making at least one three-pointer.Davidson's balanced attack featured contributions from multiple players, with efficient shooting being a key factor. They connected on 27 of 51 field goal attempts and made eight of their 17 three-point tries. This combination of accuracy and depth allowed the Wildcats to control the pace of the game and secure the win.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for AAC Play

Charlotte now turns its attention to the upcoming American Athletic Conference schedule, beginning with a matchup against UTSA on December 29. The team will use the break to regroup and refine their strategies. Coach Reed encouraged her players to dedicate daily time to personal improvement, ensuring they return ready to compete at a high level. As they prepare for this new chapter, the Niners aim to build on the positives from this season and address areas needing enhancement.