ANDERSON , S.C. – The Anderson University women's basketball team used a strong defensive effort taking advantage of 27 forced turnovers to defeat South Atlantic Conference opponent Lenoir-Rhyne; 61-53 on Sunday afternoon at the Abney Center.
With the win, Anderson improves to 10-2 overall and moves to 7-1 in the conference while Lenoir-Rhyne falls to 8-6 overall and 4-4 in the SAC.
The Trojans placed three players in double-figures paced by senior Nakia Young's season-high 19 points and career high five steals. Freshman Madison Baggett continued her solid play scoring 15 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists. Senior Jasmine Franklin recorded her third double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds to help the Black and Gold in the winning effort.
Anderson also had contributions from senior Bailey Sims with a career high four steals while sophomore Tamia Eatmon came off the bench to grab three rebounds and dish out three assists.
The Bears were led by Madi Suddreth's 14 points and Chelsey Romero's 13 points and nine rebounds. Lenoir-Rhyne had seven other players score at least one point.
Anderson led wire to wire and built an 11 point lead with 3 minutes left in the first half, but the Bears would not go away quickly cutting the lead down to single digits. The Trojans were able to get some key stops and make clutch free throws down the stretch to claim the 61-53 victory.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "I'm happy to get the win against a tough team. The game had several runs and we hit some key shots down the stretch. Defensively I thought we played one of our best games, but we have to continue to covert on the offensive side of the floor."
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-Anderson was outrebounded (34-27) for only the third time this season.
-The Trojans were credited with a season high 16 steals.
- Senior Heather Jankowy moved into a tie for fifth place for most career 3-pointers made.
- Baggett has scored in double figures 7-out of-8 conference games.
-Tonight's win was Anderson eighth in a row over the Bears.
UP NEXT
Anderson returns to the Abney Center on Wednesday to host SAC leader Lincoln Memorial. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.
