Jones, Harris Carry Marlins to 68-54 Victory over Ferrum

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. -- Senior Kelly Jones and first-year Jayla Harris combined for 47 of Virginia Wesleyan's 68 points as the Marlins defeated Ferrum College 68-54 in the final game of the N.C. Wesleyan Tip-Off Tournament.

The two squads battled evenly in the first half with the Panthers holding a narrow 31-29 lead at halftime. Virginia Wesleyan came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring Ferrum 23-10 in the frame to command a 52-41 edge heading to the fourth.

The VWC defense started the third quarter with steals on two of three Panther possessions, leading to a Jones jumper that tied the game at 31 with 8:02 showing on the clock. Another steal later, Harris scored from in close for a 33-31 lead.

Zarkia Mattox tied it back at 33, but a Jaelyn Washington layup and three-pointer by Jones put the Marlins back up five with 5:56 to play in the period.

Kamani Crawford converted on a traditional three-point play to narrow the gap back to 38-36 but VWC scored eight straight over the next two minutes to assume a 10-point lead. Jones and Harris each had a pair in the run while Lainey Harmon connected for a three and Crystal Strother added a free throw.

Ferrum would get no closer than eight points the rest of the way.

Crawford led Ferrum (1-3) with 16 points and seven rebounds as Mattox finished with 13 points, seven boards, four steals, and three blocks.

Jones tied a career-high with 24 points for the Marlins while Harris set a new personal-best with 23. Naeemah Morris led the way on the defensive end with 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Harris was named to the all-tournament team for her efforts.

Virginia Wesleyan (2-2) will host the University of Mary Washington Tuesday at 6 p.m. in a non-conference tilt.