BEREA, Ky. – The Asbury University women's basketball team fell just short on Friday night at Berea College by a score of 78-75.

Asbury falls to 13-3 on the year with the loss and will now turn its focus to conference play.

The Eagles shot 32 percent from the floor on Friday night and knocked down 13 three-point shots. AU also scored 21 points off turnovers and compiled 20 fast break points.

Berea controlled the glass and out-rebounded Asbury 54-40 for the game.

It was not an ideal start for Asbury, as they were limited to only 2-15 shooting in the first period for a total of 7 points.

Trailing 16-7, AU picked up its play in the second quarter offensively but trailed 32-22 heading into halftime.

Asbury shot 18 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes of action. The 22 points scored in the opening half were a season low for the 13-3 Eagles.

The Eagles out-scored Berea 26-19 in the third and made things tough for Berea on the defensive end late in the quarter.

AU began to reduce the deficit late in the third quarter. Down 51-40 with four minutes remaining, Asbury closed the period on an 8-0 following a three from Faith Osborne to make it a one-possession game heading into the fourth quarter.

In the final frame, AU took its first lead after back-to-back threes from Zaria Napier and Jaclynn Ruble to push Asbury in front 54-53 with seven minutes to play.

Both teams traded buckets over the next few minutes, as neither team could gain an inch on the lead.

 Berea would eventually extend their small lead out to five at 71-66 with under three minutes to play.

Clutch baskets from Sarah Dennison and Zaria Napier kept the Eagles alive late. Berea remained ahead 77-71 with under 20 seconds left.

Autumn Herriford knocked down a step-back three to cut the lead down to three with 15 seconds left.  

AU had one last chance down 78-75 with eight seconds remaining to tie the game, but a three-point shot missed off the rim as time expired.

Zaria Napier led Asbury with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Autumn Herriford collected 23 points, seven boards, and five steals. Additionally, Herriford also had two blocked shots and three assists.

Sarah Dennison scored eight points on 3-3 shooting. Kelsey Johnson added six points and five rebounds. Jaclynn Ruble tallied three points, four rebounds, and three assists.
Sarah King chipped in with five points and two assists.

Faith Osborne and Grace Combs tacked on three points each. Osborne also posted six rebounds in the loss.

Asbury is back in action on Tuesday in River States Conference play at IU East in Richmond, Ind. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM.