Winston-Salem, NC - The JWU Women's Basketball Team played Piedmont International University on Thursday, falling to the #7 team in NCCAA, 90-70.

The Wildcats went ahead early, with their largest lead being four points. The teams would trade the lead multiple times, but the first quarter ended with the homestanding Bruins holding the 25-21 edge. PIU (15-5) created some separation in the second period, outscoring the Wildcats 29-13 for a 54-34 halftime advantage. The second half was a much tighter affair, with the Bruins edging the Wildcats 17-14 in the third and 21-19 in the fourth. Still, the Wildcats couldn't overcome the first half deficit.

The Wildcats shot 40%, but PIU converted their field goals at a 52% clip. JWU did connect on 9 of 23 three point attempts. The Bruins' big advantage came from points in the paint, 50 to 16, and bench points, 49 to 11. Jamyah Montissol led JWU with 22 points while Ineesha Hankerson added 20 points and 10 rebounds. JWU entered the game ranked #9 in USCAA D2 and moves to 8-11 on the season.

"We started off the game strong, but couldn't play that way consistently all 4 quarters," reflected Wildcats Head Coach Ashley Raley-Ross. "We will use this game to prepare for our home game Saturday."

The Wildcats return to action on Saturday, February 8th, when they host EMAC opponent Mid-Atlantic Christian University for Homecoming. That game is slated for a 3:00 pm tip-off.