Box Score

GALLATIN, Tn. - Covenant traveled to Tennessee for its second meeting of the season with Welch in a tightly contested game. Much like the first matchup at Covenant, the Flames were once again able to find a way to come out on top.

Final: Covenant 59, Welch 64
Records: Covenant (1-6), Welch (4-6)

Welch controlled the opening minutes of the game, building a 12-6 advantage with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Covenant began to settle in late in the period, using a 13-5 run to take a 19-17 lead into the second quarter. Amanda Neff and Chloe Bertrand accounted for all 13 points during the surge.

A layup by Violet Wright gave Covenant their largest lead of the game at six with 2:30 remaining in the quarter, but Welch answered with several late baskets to cut into the margin. Covenant carried a slim 32-30 lead into halftime.

Welch seized control in the third quarter, using a 14-0 run to build a 44-35 advantage. The Flames maintained a nine-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Trailing 52-43 with six minutes remaining, the Scots mounted a strong comeback. Covenant went on a 14-5 run, capped by two free throws from Bertrand, to tie the game at 57 with 1:40 left. The Scots had three consecutive possessions with opportunities to take the lead but were unable to convert, leaving the game tied entering the final minute. Welch capitalized late, as Faithe Johnstone scored the go-ahead layup with 32 seconds remaining. Covenant came up empty on its ensuing possession, and Welch sealed the outcome at the free-throw line, knocking down five straight to secure a 64-59 victory.

Chloe Bertrand led the Scots with 20 points, adding six rebounds, five assists, and three steals in an all-around performance. Amanda Neff also delivered a standout game, recording 19 points and a career-high 13 rebounds for the first double-double of her career. Violet Wright chipped in 14 points and five rebounds.

Welch held the edge in field-goal shooting, finishing at 36 percent compared to Covenant's 30 percent. Covenant countered with a perimeter advantage, outshooting Welch from three-point range, 29 percent to 17 percent. The Scots also controlled the glass with a 48-40 rebounding advantage and finished plus-one in the turnover margin (20-19).

Covenant drops to 2-2 all time against Welch.

UP NEXT: Covenant will play at Sewanee on December 29th at 4:00 ET.

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