Box Score Box Score

Virginia Commonwealth's Courtney Hurt hit a jumper with one second left in the game to top the High Point University women's basketball team 65-64 in the season opener Friday at the Millis Center. Senior Jurica Hargraves drained a pair of free throws to give HPU a late lead but the Rams made it down the floor and Hurt was able to score in the final second.

“That was a great ball game with a lot of effort from both teams,” said head coach Tooey Loy. “We had a little bit of first game jitters and spotted them nine points to start the game but I was proud of the way we battled back and gave ourselves a shot to win. If we get that kind of effort and focus all year we will have a great season.”

Freshman Cheyenne Parker led the Panthers with 15 points, nine rebounds and six blocks in the game while Hargraves and sophomore Erin Reynolds each added 12 points. Hurt had a game-high 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Rams.

VCU jumped out to a 9-0 lead to start the game, before Parker converted on a jumper after a steal by Renolds to put High Point on the board nearly four minutes. The Panthers finally tied the game at 18-18 with 7:10 remaining in the first half on a pair of baskets from Parker.

Hurt hit a pair of free throws to put the Rams back up 20-18 but HPU freshman Taylor Tremblay hit her only basket of the night to tie the game again, 20-20. VCU pulled away for the rest of the half, taking a 30-22 lead in to halftime.

A three-pointer by senior Mackenzie Maier gave HPU its first lead of the night, 42-41 with 12 minutes remaining in the game. High Point led by as much as four in the half, 50-46, but the Rams stayed close, eventually tying the game 52-52 on a jumper from Jennifer Lane.

VCU maintained the lead until a foul by Lane sent Hargraves to the free throw line. She hit both, putting HPU up 64-63 but giving VCU possession with seven seconds on the clock. Hurt missed the first shot, picking up her own rebound and putting it in to win the game for the Rams 65-64.

Maier finished the night with five points and seven rebounds.

The Panthers will return to action Sunday at 5 p.m. when American University comes to the Millis Center.