ATLANTA – The Millsaps women's basketball team nearly erased a 19-point second half deficit but ultimately fell short to Oglethorpe University by a score of 54-50. Returning to action in her first game back since Dec. 18, junior forward Devan Caldwell hoisted a game-high 11 points inside Dorough Field House on Friday.

Senior forward Andrea Rayford (seven points) also tallied a game-high nine rebounds. Millsaps (8-10, 3-4 SAA) outscored Oglethorpe 21-11 in the final quarter and outpaced the Stormy Petrels, 9-7 in second-chance points.

Oglethorpe (7-12, 3-4 SAA) had great production from their bench as they won the bench point battle, 36-23.

With both teams implanting zone defenses, the Majors were knotted at 2-2 with the Stormy Petrels at the first media timeout. Early in the second quarter, first-year forward Whitney Novak found her classmate Helena Roe for a wing jumper to cut the lead to 15-11 with 8:40 remaining in the half.

Oglethorpe would then proceed to extend their lead to double digits at 24-11 as Millsaps did not find the bottom of the net again until the 1:16 mark of the half. Caldwell and Elecia Lartigue hit back-to-back shots to bring it to a single digit-game, but the Stormy Petrels responded with a three right before half for a 27-15 advantage.

Oglethorpe scored 12 of the first 17 points of the third quarter for their largest lead of 39-20. A three-pointer by Shelby Lundy capped an 8-2 run and cut the Stormy Petrel's lead to 41-28.

As Millsaps trailed by 14 points entering the final frame, Lartigue found sophomore guard Maddie Howell for a three and then finished a layup herself to make it a single-digit game once again at 43-34 with just under nine minutes remaining.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Caldwell knocked down a pair of free throws and Sims hit a layup to make the score 43-38 with 4:42 left.

Down by six, Caldwell hit a 30-foot splash to make it a one-score game with 38 seconds left. Needing one more stop, the Majors forced a missed runner but were not able to obtain the rebound. Oglethorpe would then be sent to the free throw line and make one of two shots to hold on for a 54-50 victory.

The Majors will remain in the Peach State as they face Berry on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m. Live video and stats links are available on the women's basketball schedule page at gomajors.com.
 
 
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