PLAINVIEW --- In a game defined by grit, clutch shooting, and a furious fourth-quarter push, the Wayland Baptist Flying Queens saw a potential signature win slip away in the final seconds, falling 91–90 to Nelson on Thursday evening inside Hutcherson Center.
Despite the heartbreaking finish, the Queens (2–6, 2–2 SAC) battled wire-to-wire with one of the conference's hottest teams, showcasing depth, offensive balance, and multiple late-game responses.
With 10 seconds left, Nelson guard Cailyn Tucker drove hard into the lane and finished through contact, putting the Lions ahead for good 91–90.
Even in the loss, the Queens delivered one of their most complete offensive performances of the season, shooting 46.3% from the field and 37% from three, while six players scored at least seven points.
- Cania Mitchell led the way with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and an aggressive 9-for-9 showing at the free-throw line.
- Jadyn Trusler was electric from deep, hitting 4-of-6 threes on her way to a 16-point effort.
- Brooklyn Birkenfeld nearly posted a double-double with 16 points and 8 boards, anchoring the post throughout the night.
- Peyton North added 14 points, including two massive triples in the final minutes.
Wayland's bench also came up big, contributing 21 points, highlighted by 12 from
Teodora Popovic, who gave the Queens several timely buckets in the first and third quarters.
The Queens trailed by six early in the fourth quarter, but a series of defensive stands and a burst of perimeter shooting pushed Wayland into the lead. Lauryn Scalice hit four clutch free throws, Kaitlyn McKenna provided a spark with five quick points, and Kate Miller knocked down a huge three to pull Nelson even at 74–74.
From there, the lead seesawed nine times in the final four minutes.
Wayland's late-game execution shined, but a trio of Nelson threes in the last 90 seconds ultimately proved the difference.
Wayland posted season-high marks in assists (21) and three-point makes (10). Defensively, the Queens forced 12 turnovers and turned several of them into momentum-changing buckets.
Wayland Baptist returns to action on Saturday, December 6
th, when they play host to Texas Wesleyan University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM at the Hutcherson Center.
