The Raleigh Aces hit 84% of their 3-point field goals on 22-of-26 shooting as they defeated the OPB Swish, 128-84, in WABA action at Martin County High School in Inez on Saturday.
It was a fun atmosphere as women’s professional basketball came to the mountains for the first time, but the Aces jumped out of the gate quickly and took a 36-19 after the first period. Tiana Edwards hit four 3-point field goals in final minutes of the frame for Raleigh.
Raleigh continued to blister the nets in the second quarter to take a 65-42 lead into the intermission. Edwards had 25 points at the half. Dena Jarrells caught fire for the Swish and scored 10 points in the quarter.
The Aces extended their lead throughout the third period and led 98-67 heading into the fourth quarter. From there, Raleigh was able to stretch out the lead as Edwards hit three more 3-point field goals in the final quarter.
JaVonna Layfield led the Swish with 18 points. Jarrells and Carla Booth followed with 16 points each. Makayla Epps had 9 points. E’moni Washington add 7 points. Dasia Thornton netted 6 points. Taylor Pearson had 5 points. Ri-Chiel McGraw chipped in with 3 points. Kennedi Stacy finished with 2 points.
Edwards paced all scorers with 40 points, including 11 field goals from beyond the arc and earned Mingua Beef Jerky Player of the Game honors. Jamie Cherry followed with 28 points. Jasmine Carter added 25 points. Imani Watkins and L’oreal Gamble had 15 points each. Julianna Prim finished with 4 points.
The Swish will next play on the road against this same Raleigh Aces team on Saturday, July 27 in Raleigh.
