ROANOKE, Va. - In Wednesday night's game against Roanoke, Hollins showed exactly why they can play with anybody in the ODAC. 

Despite falling behind by as many as 18 points, Hollins fought back, took the lead but eventually fell just short of an upset as the Maroons escaped with a 70-61 win. 

How It Happened

Like they've done all season, Roanoke (16-8, 11-6 ODAC) came out running. They got on the board first before Kayla Surles hit a jump shot, a preview of things to come, to tie things early. The two teams traded buckets until, with Roanoke leading 14-10, Hollins (11-13, 5-12 ODAC) used a Keyazia Taylor jumper, a three from Keenan Surles, a Yasmine Tyler layup and a pair of freethrows from Kayla Surles to end the quarter on a 9-4 run and take a 19-18 lead after one. 

The second quarter was rough for Hollins, as Roanoke outscored the Green and Gold 24-9, shooting 73% from the field, to take a 42-28 lead into the half. 

Out of the break, Roanoke kept their double-digit lead, but they weren't able to pull away. It seemed like Hollins had an answer anytime RC tried to step on the gas. After a Roanoke layup put them ahead by 13, Hollins ended the quarter on a 15-8 run, making six 3's in the quarter, to trail by just six heading into the final frame. 

Hollins carried the momentum into the fourth, tying the game at 57 after two Tyler layups sandwiching a basket from Sydney Strange. Kayla Surles added a freethrow to give HU a one-point lead, 58-57. Then, at the most inopportune time, Hollins went cold. They scored just four points in the game's final 5:53 as Roanoke finished the game on a 13-4 run. 

HU was led by Kayla Surles' 26 points as well as 10 apiece from Serena Lytton and Tyler. Taylor had a monster game on the boards, coming down with 16 rebounds to go along with 4 blocks. 

Despite the loss, Hollins has clinched a spot in next Monday's ODAC Tournament play-in game, thanks to a Bridgewater win over Eastern Mennonite. 

Stat of the Game

-Roanoke outscored Hollins 12-2 on fastbreak points, using their speed to convert high-percentage shots. 

What's Next

Hollins will wrap up the 2019-20 regular season on Saturday when they welcome Shenandoah to the Hollins gym. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 pm. 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the basketball team this year follow Hollins on Twitter and Instagram, like Hollins Athletics on Facebook or visit our website.