MISENHEIMER, N.C. (Feb.1, 2025) --The Pfeiffer University women's basketball team held Meredith to just 20 percent from 3-point range in a 3-for-15 shooting performance on the way to a 69-53 victory against the Angels at home in Merner Gym on Saturday afternoon.

The Falcons (7-10, 5-6) had four players score in double figures, led by senior Alexis Bynum, who had 18 points and two steals. Lola Cabaniss-Ali tacked on a double-double, her fourth of the season, with 13 points and 14 rebounds while Mara Ochoa-Contreras chipped in with 12 points and two steals.

Led by Cabaniss-Ali's eight offensive rebounds, Pfeiffer crashed the offensive glass, pulling down 18 rebounds that resulted in 15 second chance points.

The Pfeiffer defense held Meredith shooters to a 37.5 percent effort from the field, including 20 percent from three-point range. 

How It Happened

After falling behind 16-9, Pfeiffer went on a 6-0 run with 1:29 left in the first quarter to narrow its deficit to 16-15, a score that would hold for the rest of the period.

Meredith kept adding to that lead, building a 24-20 advantage before Pfeiffer went on a 7-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Ochoa-Contreras, to take a 27-24 lead. The Falcons kept that lead for the remainder of the period and enjoyed a 32-29 advantage heading into halftime. Pfeiffer forced 10 Meredith turnovers in the period and turned them into 10 points.

Pfeiffer continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 10-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Hannah Isley, to expand its lead further to 46-34 with 2:31 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Angels had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Falcons still entered the fourth quarter with a 50-40 edge. Pfeiffer took advantage of five Meredith turnovers in the quarter, scoring five points off of takeaways.

Pfeiffer kept its lead intact before going on a 7-0 run to grow the lead to 61-44 with 6:07 to go in the contest. The Angels narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Falcons still cruised the rest of the way for the 69-53 win. Pfeiffer took advantage of five Meredith turnovers in the quarter, scoring six points off of those takeaways.

Game Notes

» Lola Cabaniss-Ali notched a double-double for the Falcons with 13 points and 14 rebounds, her fourth of the season and the ninth of her career.
» The Falcons held the Angels to only 37.5 percent shooting from the field.
» Pfeiffer never trailed in the second half on its way to victory.
» Pfeiffer had a great day defensively, holding Meredith to 20 percent from beyond the arc on 15 attempts.
» The Falcons forced 27 Meredith turnovers while committing only 16 on the other end.
» The Pfeiffer defense forced 27 turnovers.
» Pfeiffer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 18 offensive boards in the game.
» Alexis Bynum led the Falcons with 18 points.

Up Next
The Falcons will take to the road for their next game when they travel to rival Greensboro College on Tuesday, Feb. 4 for a 7:00 p.m. tipoff against the Pride.