WINGATE, N.C. – The Carson-Newman Lady Eagles (8-4, 5-1 South Atlantic Conference) women's basketball team fell to the Wingate Bulldogs (9-1, 5-1 South Atlantic Conference) by a score of 73-59 at Cuddy Arena on Saturday afternoon.

After a back-and-forth first half, the Bulldogs closed the first 20 minutes on a 20-2 run over the final five minutes to pull away from Carson-Newman, and Wingate never trailed again.

"I think we ended up being the team that got tired midway through the first half," said Carson-Newman head coach Mike Mincey. "They were getting layups on the rim and making outside shots and made the most of second-chance opportunities. That run probably told the tale of the game."

The loss is Carson-Newman's first in conference play, and the Lady Eagles are now in a three-way tie for the SAC lead with Wingate and Catawba, with all three teams 5-1.

Carson-Newman was led in scoring by sophomore Jai Jai McLaughlin (Knoxville, Tenn.) with her 15 points, and she was the only Lady Eagle in double-digit scoring. Senior Chante' Markus (Hummelstown, Pa.) was held to seven points, the first time in six games where she hasn't scored in double digits.

The Lady Eagles and Bulldogs were tied six times and the lead changed hands five times in the first half, with the game tied at 22 with five minutes before halftime. Wingate closed the half strong with a 20-2 run, powered mainly by baskets from Shelby Tricoli and Janitsha Williams. Tricoli scored 13 points in the first half and at halftime Wingate led 42-24.

Carson-Newman shot only 26 percent from the field in the first half, but improved in the second half by shooting 43 percent. The Lady Eagles outscored Wingate 35-31 in the second half, yet Wingate held on for the 14-point victory.

Wingate was led in scoring by the 21 points of Tricoli, and Williams posted a double-double with her 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Carson-Newman's next game will be at home against the Mars Hill Lions on Wednesday Jan. 8 at 6 p.m. Earlier this season Carson-Newman defeated Mars Hill 62-57 in Mars Hill, N.C. on Nov. 26.

Wednesday's game will be carried on the Eagle Sports Network's flagship station WPFT-FM 106.3 FM, with coverage beginning at 5:45 p.m. with "The Countdown to Tipoff," and live video is also available on www.cneagles.com.