WILLIAMSBURG, Va. — William & Mary women's basketball battled until the final seconds but fell 63–61 to Drexel on Sunday afternoon at Kaplan Arena.
The Tribe drops to 13–12 overall and 6–8 in CAA play, while the Dragons improve to 17–8 and 10–4 in conference action.
William & Mary carried an eight-point lead into the fourth quarter, but Drexel rallied late and took the lead in the final minute. The Tribe tied the game with 11 seconds remaining before the Dragons converted a layup with seven seconds left to secure the win.
Cassidy Geddes led the Tribe with 22 points, shooting 5-of-12 from 3-point range and knocking down three free throws in the final seconds to even the score
Marley Long added 10 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Alexa Mikeska contributed nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Natalie Fox (eight points, six rebounds) and Jana Sallman (eight points, eight rebounds) also chipped in.
As a team, William & Mary shot 36.9% (24-of-65) from the field and 42.9% (9-of-21) from 3-point range.
The Tribe committed 15 turnovers and scored 10 bench points in the contest
First Quarter
Geddes set the tone early, connecting on two 3-pointers in the opening period. The teams traded baskets throughout the frame, and Mikeska's triple in the closing seconds tied the game at 15–15 heading into the second.
Second Quarter
William & Mary found its rhythm offensively, shooting over 41% in the quarter and building as much as an 11-point advantage. Geddes continued to pace the Tribe, while Sallman provided a spark inside. Drexel trimmed the margin late, but the Tribe carried a 32–23 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter
William & Mary maintained its advantage coming out of the locker room, matching Drexel basket-for-basket in a tightly contested third quarter. Long and Mikeska each connected from beyond the arc, helping the Tribe take a 51–43 lead into the final period.
Fourth Quarter
William & Mary maintained its lead for much of the final frame, but Drexel mounted a late surge down the stretch. The Dragons held the Tribe to just three field goals in the quarter and took their first lead of the period in the final minute. Geddes calmly converted three straight free throws with 11 seconds remaining to tie the game at 61–61, but Drexel answered with a layup with seven seconds left. The Tribe's final 3-point attempt at the buzzer came up short.
Up Next
William & Mary hits the road for a two-game swing through the Carolinas, beginning Friday, Feb. 27 at Charleston at 7 p.m. The Tribe will then travel to UNC Wilmington for a 1 p.m. tip on Sunday, March 1.
