ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University women's basketball (1-2) dropped its second home contest of the season falling to nonconference opponent UNC Pembroke (2-1), 69-64, on Friday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.

In a game that featured 16 lead changes and four ties, poor free-throw shooting (12-of-26) ultimately proved costly for the Trojans.

"I thought we fault hard all game and again some players stepped up," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "Unfortunately, we came up short."

"Our goal was to get to the line, but you have to complete the play by hitting those free throws," explained Barbaree.

"Looking forward to playing again tomorrow, and trying to get back on track," added Barbaree.

Anderson fell behind by as many as 10 points after two quarters of play, 39-29, before using every second of the third period to regain the lead. With 30 seconds left in the frame, junior Ashlyn Sheridan made two foul shots to even the contest, 48-48. Following a missed three-point basket by the Braves in the waning seconds of the period, sophomore Peytyn Oliver quickly dribbled up the court banking in a falling down three- point basket.

The Trojans and Braves both took turns holding a four-point advantage within the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter.  A made free-throw and a made lay-up a possession later by senior Mame Thiaw pulled the Black and Gold to within one-point. Freshman Zaynah Preston followed with a steal and layup with 27 seconds left to give AU its final lead of the game.

UNC Pembroke's Kelci Adams hit a dagger three-point basket to take a two-point lead. Anderson was forced to foul with the Braves draining 3-of-4 free throws in the last 10 seconds to stave off an AU comeback.

AU's Oliver was the only Trojan in double-digit scoring. The sophomore guard dropped in 10 points which included two three-point baskets. Senior Leslie Marios netted a career-high nine points and two blocked shots while senior Mame Thiaw and sophomore Kyla Cain each scored eight points. Thiaw's eight points and nine rebounds were both career-highs.

UNC Pembroke's Adams led all-scorer's with 17 points while adding 11 rebounds. Also recording a double-double for the Braves was Zaria Clark with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Anderson returns to action tomorrow when it welcomes nonconference opponent Belmont Abbey. Tip-off is slated for 3 pm.