Charlotte, NC - The USCAA #17 Johnson & Wales women's basketball team fell at home to NAIA foe Allen University 83-72 on Wednesday.

Vanderia Shackleford led the Wildcats (4-11) with a game high 24 points on the night, including a 16-of-20 performance from the free throw line.

Jaquana Pauling fell just short of a double-double for Johnson & Wales, finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.  Kelsey Wypych came off the bench to add 11 points for the hosts.

The Wildcats endured another slow start, falling behind 19-6 in the first quarter, but stormed back to take the lead and entered halftime with the score tied at 33.

Allen responded in the second half shooting over 51 percent from the floor.  In all, the Yellowjackets made 15 more baskets in the second half than Johnson & Wales, enough to overcome a 40-of-48 performance from the charity stripe by the Wildcats.

Both teams struggled to take care of the basketball, with Johnson & Wales committing 33 turnovers and Allen committing 32.

Kamya Thomas led Allen with 18 points on the night while Crystal Owens and Ebony Nelms added 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The teams will play again on Saturday when the Wildcats travel to Columbia, SC.  Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.