WINGATE – The UNCP women's basketball team was defeated due to Wingate outrebounding and forcing the Lady Braves to nearly 30 turnovers en route to holding steady in the Cannon Complex on Tuesday evening as the Lady Braves fell in a 77-68 loss.

UNCP (1-2) had a better overall shooting percentage from the field than Wingate (2-1) as the Lady Braves posted a 46.9 percentage and the Lady Bulldogs had a 44.1 percentage. Wingate took the early lead, until DeDe Cotten drained a three pointer on the assist from Domonique Washington to give the Black and Gold its first lead of the game at the 17:08 mark.

The game proceeded to sway back-and-forth between the two teams by only a few points, until UNCP posted its highest lead of the game with less than six minutes remaining. Victoria McVicker swooshed a three pointer to bring the score to 28-22 including Cotten's three free throws. UNCP entered halftime with a 37-34 lead due to 10 fast breaks and Wingate registering 15 turnovers.

The second half began with Wingate tying the score for the fifth time, and eventually holding a 13 point lead over the Lady Braves at the 09:44 mark. UNCP attempted a comeback and cut Wingate's lead to three points on a jumper by Jasmine Hairston with less than two minutes remaining in the game, but the Lady Bulldogs sealed the nine point victory.

Cotten led the UNCP offense with 21 points, while junior Courtney Bolton added a career-high 20 points including eight free throws. Senior Dominique Washington totaled five rebounds and five assists, while Hairston had five rebounds and newcomer Taylor Gallentine led the team with four steals. 

Wingate was led by Janitsha Williams with 21 points and Nikki Burton with 20. Simone Rutledge collected a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Wingate shot 76.5 percent from the free throw line and was 4-of-18 from behind the arch.

"I thought we competed hard and gave ourselves a chance," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "We failed to capitalize on some opportunities in the last 10 minutes, but the difference in the game was our turnovers and their offensive rebounds."

Wingate finished the game with 18 offensive and 23 defensive rebounds compared to UNCP's seven offensive and 22 defensive rebounds.

The Lady Braves will return home to the English E. Jones Center to host region rival Fayetteville State in its home opener of the 2011-12 season on Tuesday Nov. 29. Tip off has been set for 5:30 p.m. with the UNCP men following the conclusion of the women's game at approximately 7:30 p.m. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.