MISENHEIMER, N.C. (Feb. 24, 2026) — Fifth-seeded and visiting William Peace University used a big fourth quarter to come back from a 14-point deficit to down Pfeiffer 63-62 in the first round of the USA South Women's Basketball Tournament in Merner Gym on Tuesday night.

WPU's Amiah Griffin scored 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in the win.

William Peace's Danasia Davis delivered the deciding basket with 10 seconds left, putting the Pacers ahead for good in a game that featured six lead changes and three ties. Pfeiffer had a final look, but Ava Hairston's potential game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer missed.

Pfeiffer was led by Miya Horton's 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, while Hairston added 18 and Lettie Michael scored 14. The Falcons forced 25 turnovers and turned them into 23 points, but were outrebounded 48–31 and gave up 18 second-chance points.

Griffin anchored William Peace (16-10, 12-6) with her double-double, while Zikira Henderson added eight points and six assists. The Pacers surged with a 29-point fourth quarter, hitting 12 of 19 shots in the period.

Pfeiffer led 48–41 entering the fourth after controlling much of the third quarter, but the Pacers opened the final period with a 10–0 run to reclaim the lead. Hairston briefly steadied the Falcons with a jumper and free throws, and Michael's pair at the line tied the game 61–61 with 31 seconds left. After the Pacers went back in front, Pfeiffer again had a chance, but could not convert on its final possession.

Pfeiffer shot 23 for 66 (35%) from the field and 3 for 15 from deep, while William Peace finished 24 for 57 (42%) overall.

WPU advances to take on top-seeded Brevard College on Thursday, Feb. 26.  Brevard won their first-round matchup with Meredith by an 83-61 final.

The Falcons complete their season at 15-11 overall.