Despite Natalie Fox’s 16 points, William & Mary’s women lost 62-60 Friday night to the College of Charleston before 1,008 at Kaplan Arena as the Tribe’s final shots missed.
The Cougars (11-3, 3-0), led by Taryn Barbot’s 15 points and Grace Ezebilo’s 17 rebounds, four steals and two blocks, share first place in the Coastal Athletic Association with Monmouth. For W&M (8-6, 1-2), Fox made 7 of 9 shots and got support from Monet Dance (12 points) and Alexa Mikeska (10 points, five assists, four rebounds).
The game was close all the way, though Charleston outscored W&M 22-14 in the third quarter for a 47-42 lead. The Cougars also led most of the fourth quarter.
Down 61-56, the Tribe cut the deficit to one with 41 seconds left on baskets by Fox and Dance. Ezebilo blocked a short shot by Cassidy Geddes, and Sophia Tougas sank 1 of 2 free throws for a 62-60 lead with six seconds left.
After a timeout, Geddes missed a 3-pointer short, and Fox followed with a tying attempt that hit the back rim as the clock struck all zeroes.
W&M, which has lost two games in a row after winning its previous seven, will go to Campbell for a 2 p.m. game Sunday.