THOMASVILLE, Ga. (February 3, 2018) – Coming off of a big win over the College of Coastal Georgia last time out with an effort that rejuvenated the Warriors' postseason chances, the Webber International University women's basketball team could not capitalize on an opportunity to continue to move up in the conference standings as the Warriors were defeated by Thomas University, 60-46, on Saturday inside TU Gymnasium.

Leading the way for the Warriors with near double-doubles were Ashley Perry (19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Tiffany Zito (14 points, 8 rebounds), who combined for over 72 percent of Webber's points on the day. Zito was 5-of-9 from the floor and was 4-of-4 from the free throw line as Saturday was the second time this season Zito has gone perfect from the line while taking three or more free throw attempts.

Webber (8-16 overall, 3-11 The Sun Conference) defeated Thomas (8-13, 4-11) by six (65-59) in the first meeting between the two teams this season back on December 13, 2017, but this time, Webber was hampered by a rough second quarter.

The Warriors led early on as Shayla McPhearson scored off of the opening tip, assisted by Zito, and then Zito scored herself a minute and a half later to make it 4-0.

A 3-pointer by Jakella Davis with just over a minute left in the first quarter gave the Warriors a 12-11 advantage, but in the second quarter, Webber struggled to score and struggled to finish defensive possessions with a rebound. The Warriors made only two field goals (18.2 percent) in the second quarter and finished the first half allowing Thomas to record nine offensive rebounds and make five 3-pointers.

With 3:19 to go in the first half, Webber trailed 26-13 but proceeded to go on a 10-0 run to get within three at 26-23 after the second half started with two free throws by Zito and a layup by Perry on the assist from Montrese Weller. Perry accounted for six of the 10 points during the Warriors' run while Zito had the other four.

The Warriors then made it a one-point game at 28-27 as Emmarrie Carmen scored a fast break layup off the dish by Brianna Fuller with 3:43 to go in the third quarter. However, every time the Warriors closed the gap, the Night Hawks responded to give themselves a little breathing room.

Webber entered the final quarter trailing by only four (37-33), but allowed the Night Hawks to score each of the first six points of the frame to make it 43-33 with only seven minutes left to play.

Webber quickly got it back to a six-point game after back-to-back scores by Zito to make it 43-37, but Thomas responded with another 6-0 run to make it 49-37 with 3:30 left.

The Warriors continued to battle and got the margin down to six points yet again one minute later as Perry scored four in a row and Zito converted on two more free throws to make it 49-43, but Webber just could not get over the hump as Thomas went 9-for-10 from the free throw line to finish the game.

After Saturday's results, Webber and Warner University are tied for seventh place in The Sun Conference standings while Thomas sits alone in sixth place for the final postseason spot.

The Warriors will head back home to face the Florida Memorial University Lions on Thursday February, 8 at 5:30 p.m.