MISENHEIMER, N.C. (Feb. 15, 2025) --The Pfeiffer University women's basketball team celebrated Senior Day by rolling over visiting Salem College 71-49 at home in Merner Gym on Saturday.
The Falcons (11-10, 8-6) had two players score in double figures, led by senior Alexis Bynum, who had 17 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Fellow senior Kenadie Hudler added 15 points and two steals and freshman Ava Hairston added five points, nine rebounds, six assists and four steals.
Bynum pulled down five offensive rebounds to lead an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Pfeiffer, grabbing 17 boards and turning them into 18 second chance points.
The Pfeiffer defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 27 Salem (NC) turnovers while committing 17. Those takeaways turned into 22 points on the other end of the floor. Hairston's four steals led the way individually for the Falcons.
How It Happened
After jumping out to a 12-9 advantage, Pfeiffer went on a 7-0 run with 1:43 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Hannah Isley, to increase its lead to 19-9, a score that would hold for the rest of the period. Pfeiffer did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring 10 of its 19 points close to the basket.
Pfeiffer kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 13-0 run starting at the 9:34 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Shania Haynes, to increase its lead to 32-9. The Spirits cut into that lead, but the Falcons still enjoyed a 37-19 advantage heading into halftime. Pfeiffer was strong from deep in the period, knocking down three three-point shots to account for nine of its 18 points.
Pfeiffer continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 7-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Hudler, to expand its lead further to 58-35 with 1:17 to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Spirits had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Falcons still entered the fourth quarter with a 60-39 edge. Pfeiffer played well near the basket, scoring 12 of its 23 points in the paint.
Pfeiffer kept its lead intact before going on a 5-0 run, finished off by Mara Ochoa-Contreras' jumper, to grow the lead to 65-41 with 6:53 to go in the contest. The Spirits narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Falcons still cruised the rest of the way for the 71-49 win.
Prior to the game, Pfeiffer honored seniors Alexis Bynum, Amanda Finch, Cedaria Little, Kenedie Hudler, Mara Ochoa-Contreras and Shania Haynes.
Game Notes
» The Falcons held the Spirits to only 40 percent shooting from the field.
» The Falcons never trailed after taking a 19-9 first quarter lead.
» The Falcons shared the ball well, recording an assist on 73 percent of made baskets.
» The Pfeiffer bench came alive by adding 28 points to its scoring output.
» The Falcons forced 27 Salem (NC) turnovers while committing only 17 on the other end.
» Pfeiffer had a 39-31 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Pfeiffer defense forced 27 turnovers.
» Pfeiffer cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 17 offensive boards in the game.
» Alexis Bynum led the Falcons with a game-high 17 points.
» Pfeiffer got a game-high nine rebounds from Ava Hairston.
Next Game
The Falcons will welcome Brevard College to Merner Gym on Tuesday, Feb. 18 as the second game of a doubleheader. The Falcons and Tornados are scheduled to tipoff approximately 30 minutes following the conclusion of the men's game with William Peace.
