MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Pfeiffer put together a furious second-half push but couldn't overcome visiting N.C. Wesleyan on Saturday evening, falling 84-79 at Merner Gym in the USA South Tournament Championship game.

Doug Smith powered the Falcons (17–9, 12–2 USA South) with 27 points and 13 rebounds, dominating inside and sparking multiple runs that kept Pfeiffer within striking distance. The senior forward shot 12 of 18 from the field and added two blocks in 33 minutes.

Pfeiffer also got strong perimeter production from Sean Sucarichi, who knocked down four 3-pointers and finished with 15 points and five assists. Justin Gaten added 17 points, including three makes from beyond the arc, while Clayton Robinson hit three 3-pointers of his own before fouling out late with 13 points.

The Falcons trailed 34–31 at halftime but surged ahead briefly on Sucarichi's shooting and Smith's interior scoring. Pfeiffer outrebounded the Battling Bishops 42–27, including a commanding 19–8 edge on the offensive glass, repeatedly generating second-chance opportunities.

But N.C. Wesleyan countered with a blistering offensive second half, shooting 18 for 27 and outscoring Pfeiffer 53–45 after the break. The Bishops were especially efficient at the line, going 16 for 19 in the second half.

Despite late buckets by Smith and a deep 3-pointer from Sucarichi with nine seconds left, Pfeiffer could not close the gap as N.C. Wesleyan sealed the game at the stripe, earning their seventh USA South Title and earning the automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.