WINGATE, N.C. – The Anderson University women's basketball team opened its 2017-18 season with a 43 point victory over Peach Belt Conference opponent Clayton State in the opening game of the SAC/PBC Challenge on Friday evening at host Wingate.
With the win, Anderson moves to 1-0 on the season while the Lakers drop to 0-1.
The Trojans placed two players in double-digits with 11-of-14 roster players scoring at least two points. Junior Ace Easter scored a game-high 18 points while tallying seven steals on the evening. Forward Alexis Dillard netted 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the floor and a perfect 4-for-4 from the line. Dillard also pulled down six rebounds while being credited with two blocks for the Black and Gold.
Capping off the Trojans' scoring was senior Jasmine Raynor, sophomore Alexy Mollenhauer and freshman Alexis Tate each chipping in seven points. Sophomore's Cassie Ketchum and Amari Grevious dropped in six points while senior Kaylee Koerperich and sophomore Madison Baggett netted five points for Anderson. Baggett also ripped down a career high 13 rebounds while dishing out four assists. Freshman Taylor Hair scored a bucket and a pair of free throws to add four points while junior Erika Martin scored two points while grabbing three rebounds in the Trojans blow-out win.
The lone Laker to reach double-figures was reserve Aleisha Merriweather with 10 points. Merriweather pulled down five rebounds and was credited with three steals in just 17 minutes of action. No other Clayton State player scored over six points in its season opener.
The only lead Clayton State held was on Shaquoira Miles opening made jumper at the 8:58 mark to give the Lakers a 2-0 advantage. The most points Clayton State scored in a quarter was in the fourth (16) when the game was out of reach. The Trojans held the Lakers to a three-point first quarter, a 12-point second quarter and a five-point third frame.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "Very excited about the win and a great way to open the season. Of course we didn't play a perfect game and still have improvements to make, but across the board we got a lot of good minutes from everyone."
"We turn around and play Georgia College tomorrow which I am excited to play against my alma mater and where I got my first job. They are another great team and we will need to come focused and ready to play."
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-The 36 points allowed by the Trojans equaled the second lowest point total by an opponent.
-The Trojans forced 23 turnovers while recording 10 blocks on the evening.
-Anderson shot 49.2%, 35.7% from 3-point range and 83.3% from the charity stripe.
- The Black and Gold held the Lakers to a dismal 10% (2-20) for beyond the arc. For the game, Clayton State shot 21.5%.
UP NEXT
Anderson returns to the hardwood in less than 24 hours when it squares off with PBC opponent Georgia College for the second game of the SAC/PBC Challenge. Tip-off from Cuddy Arena is slated for 2 p.m.
