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MURFREESBORO – A last-second shot missed its mark as the Chowan women’s basketball suffered a 57-55 loss to UNC Pembroke in a Conference Carolinas clash at the top of the league here Wednesday.

Imani Hickman collected her second straight double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Hawks. Aniah Patterson chipped in with nine points, six assists, and four steals.

Meara Carter came off the bench to produce eight points and six rebounds.

Hickman scored the first seven points for the Hawks in a variety of ways, including at the stripe and from behind the arc, to lead 7-3 early. Destiny Robinson and Carter traded baskets as UNC Pembroke took the lead 13-11.

Tyaysia Sharpe knocked down a triple and Jayah King-Johnson added a layup to help Chowan lead 16-15 at the end of the opening frame.

Hickman and Patterson started off the second quarter with back-to-back triples as Chowan built a 22-15 lead. The visitors answered with a 10-0 run before Sydney Roberts connected from deep and added a free throw, allowing Chowan to regain the lead at 26-25.

Robinson picked up a point at the stripe before Sharpe scored in transition to lead 29-25. Chowan went into the locker room with a 29-27 advantage.

Hickman collected the first five points of the third quarter for the Hawks, picking up a pair from the stripe and knocking down a three-pointer. Patterson hit a jumper to aid in Chowan having a 36-30 lead.

After a UNCP bucket, Yasmine Brown sparked a quick 6-0 run with a layup followed by a pair of freebies by Keibra Hopkins and King-Johnson to lead 42-39. UNCP ended the quarter on an 8-1 run to trail 43-41.

Despite a jumper from Patterson plud four points from Carter, UNCP rallied in the opening stages of the fourth quarter to take a 53-49 lead. Carter added a layup before a jumper by Robinson. Patterson hit a pair from the stripe to even the score at 55-all with 1:29 remaining.

UNC Pembroke collected the final basket with 1:08 remaining as Chowan missed their final two shots despite having an attempt in the final 3.1 seconds.

Chowan (9-5 overall; 5-3 in league play) will look to rebound after their first home loss of the season as the Hawks welcome Southern Wesleyan to town on Saturday, Jan. 14. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm.