Guilford College Women’s Basketball Storms Back to Defeat Pfeiffer on the Road - Greensboro Sports (original) (raw)

Guilford College Women’s Basketball Storms Back to Defeat Pfeiffer on the Road
Quakers erase halftime deficit with third-quarter push, capturing late-game lead
from Angel Maldonado, Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant

MISENHEIMER, N.C. – In a hard-fought battle on the road, the Guilford College women’s basketball team outlasted Pfeiffer University, clinching an 85-77 victory at Merner Gym.

With this win, the Quakers secure their third consecutive 2-0 start to a season and extend their winning streak against Pfeiffer to five, making Guilford 18-23 all-time.

Guilford’s offensive push was spearheaded by Zoe Bayer (Les Sables d’Olonne, France), who delivered a game-high 21 points, tying her career-high. Bayer notched 21 points shooting 8-15 from the field and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line. She was joined by Courtney McMillan (Lexington, N.C.), who contributed a solid 14 points and added five rebounds, three assists, and seven steals (surpassing her previous career-high of six) , showcasing her defensive prowess. Julianna Walter (Taylorsville, N.C.) also reached double digits, scoring ten points with a reliable 7-8 from the charity stripe. The Quakers were particularly dominant in the paint, securing 36 points close to the basket and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, tallying 19 points from offensive rebounds. Skyler Furr (Warrenton, N.C.) was a major contributor on the boards, snagging a game-high 14 rebounds to go along with her seven points. Taylor Dunn (Charlotte, N.C.) added to Guilford’s defensive effort with five steals and three rebounds.

The Falcons came out strong in the opening minutes, with Hannah Isley scoring a quick jumper to put Pfeiffer on the board. The Quakers responded as Walter and McMillan hit back-to-back threes, briefly putting the Quakers ahead 8-7. However, Pfeiffer quickly reclaimed the lead as Lola Ali-Cabaniss and Ava Hairston found success driving to the basket. The first quarter ended with Pfeiffer narrowly leading Guilford 20-19.

Pfeiffer controlled much of the second quarter, as Guilford struggled to find rhythm offensively. Despite early efforts by McMillan and Furr on defense and the boards, Pfeiffer’s Hudler and Bynum pushed the Falcons’ lead to eight. Ashtyn Zeigler (Morresville, N.C.) hit a crucial three to narrow the gap, but Pfeiffer quickly responded, with Hairston and Moore sinking shots and free throws to keep Guilford at bay. Late baskets by Briahna Scott (Graham, N.C.) and Walter helped Guilford stay within reach, but Pfeiffer closed the half with a 10-point lead, 45-35.

Guilford came out strong in the third, quickly chipping away at Pfeiffer’s 10-point halftime lead. McMillan’s layup and Dunn’s three-pointer brought the Quakers within single digits. Pfeiffer’s Kenadie Hudler responded with a three, but Guilford’s aggressive defense continued to force turnovers. Bayer and Anaida Datilus (Chantilly, France) scored key layups, and Furr added free throws, bringing Guilford within three points at 55-58.

The final quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with Pfeiffer briefly tying the game at 77 with just under two minutes left. Guilford held their composure, and Walter stepped up with four free throws in the closing moments, widening the gap. With less than a minute remaining, Bayer scored on a fast-break layup off a steal by Dunn, extending Guilford’s lead to 81-77. Pfeiffer missed critical shots down the stretch, allowing Guilford to convert on their possessions and close out the game with an 8-point cushion.

The Quakers are on the road once again as they travel to Brevard College on Saturday, November 16th at 2 PM in a non-conference matchup.

#GoQuakes