Lynchburg, Va. -- In a back-and-forth battle that came down to the wire, the University of Lynchburg women's basketball team fell just short against Roanoke, 64-60, on Wednesday night in Turner Gymnasium.

The Hornets (12-12, 5-10 ODAC) opened the game against the Maroons (12-12, 6-9) with strong energy on both ends of the floor and that continued throughout the entire contest. With one minute to go, Brooke Cason nailed a 3-pointer to knot the score at 58 apiece with exactly one minute remaining. Out of a Roanoke timeout, Nadia Snesarev knocked down a three for RC to take a 61-58 edge with 34 seconds to go.

Kate Littlejohn later went to the foul line and hit both, but Roanoke's Moriah Tate answered by making two free throws just five seconds later. The Hornets had possession while trailing by three with 20 seconds on the clock, but a forced turnover with nine ticks left effectively sealed the game.

Lynchburg set the tone early, taking a 13-10 lead after the first quarter. The Hornets shot .417 percent from the field in the opening period and forced five Roanoke turnovers. Lynchburg extended its advantage in the second quarter, outscoring the Maroons 15-13 to carry a 28-23 lead into halftime.

Roanoke responded in the third quarter, outscoring Lynchburg 18-14. The Hornets led by as many as five during the period, but the Maroons used second-chance opportunities to trim the margin to 42-41 entering the final quarter. Canada knocked down a three-pointer and converted a three-point play during the stretch, while Littlejohn went four-for-four from the free throw line in the quarter.

In the fourth, Roanoke scored 23 points to Lynchburg's 18. Though the Hornets came within striking distance, especially late, they were unable to regain the lead after Roanoke moved ahead midway through the quarter.

Littlejohn led Lynchburg with 17 points on four-of-six shooting and an efficient nine-of-10 effort from the free throw line. Petty added 10 points and two steals, while Spainhour finished with nine points and 10 rebounds. Brown and Canada contributed sparks off the bench with eight points apiece.

Lynchburg shot .404 percent from the field and .846 percent from the free throw line. Roanoke held a 39-33 rebounding advantage and outscored the Hornets 23-11 in second-chance points.

The Hornets hit the hardwood for the final contest of the regular season against Eastern Mennonite on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. in Harrisonburg, Va.

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