MIAMI, FL – The Charlotte 49ers rallied from 19 points down taking a one point in the second half, however, their rally ultimately fell short as they lost to Auburn, 68-58, in the FIU Sun and Fun Classic.
“I was pleased with the way we battled back,” Charlotte coach Cara Consuegra said. “It was unfortunate that we got down so much in the first place. We just were not executing the way should have against Auburn’s pressure. I am pleased that we played hard to put ourselves in a position to win the game late. We just were not able to close the game out.”
Jennifer Hailey led the 49ers with a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Hailey scored 14 of her 16 points in the 2nd half. Hailey’s double-double was her fourth of the season and the 12th of her career. Jai Forney scored 13 pints. Gabby Tyler scored 11 points for the 49ers.
Charlotte trailed Auburn, 36-17, with 4:47 left in the first half. The 49ers closed out the first half on a 14-3 run cutting Auburn’s lead to 39-31 at the half. Amanda Dowe, Ny Hammonds and Forney scored for the 49ers during their run.
In the second half, Charlotte kept cutting Auburn’s lead to four points on several occasions. Then, with 4:32 on the clock, the 49ers tied the score at 56 behind two free throws by Tyler. Then, Tyler scored inside giving the 49ers their only lead, 58-57, with 4:00 on the clock. Auburn’s Chantel Hilliard scored on a short jump shot giving Auburn a 59-58 lead. Charlotte would never regain the lead as Auburn would close out the victory behind free throw shooting down the stretch.
Charlotte returns to action when they face Albany in the consolation game of the FIU Sun and Fun Classic, Friday, December 30 at 4 pm.
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