ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University women's basketball (19-9, 19-5 SAC) closed out its regular season play celebrating its seniors with a home South Atlantic Conference win over Tusculum (12-16, 10-14 SAC), 67-58, on Saturday afternoon at the Abney Athletic Center.
"Great win tonight to close out the last home game of the season, said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I'm excited to get the win for our seniors."
"We did a really good job of executing our offense by getting the ball inside and it paid off big for us when we needed it," stated Barbaree.
"Defensively, we made some adjustments throughout the game and I thought our players did a good job of executing that as well," added Barbaree. "However, it's tournament time and whatever you have done in the past doesn't matter. We just have to get ready and get focused for Wednesday night."
Graduate Samantha Michel scored a game-high 26 points to help lead the Trojans to victory. Michel shot 11-of-17 from the field and 4-fo-4 from the line. Senior Britney Bailey recorded her third double-double of the season dropping in 10 points and pulling down 14 rebounds. Bailey was also credited with five assists on the night. Junior Brittney Stafford chipped in nine points and seven rebounds, while senior Taylor Hair netted eight points and ripped down seven rebounds, while junior Brittney Stafford chipped in nine points and seven rebounds for the Trojans. Nursing an injury, graduate Shameka McNeill played a gutsy 31 minutes draining two three-point baskets and chasing down three rebounds.
Tusculum's Jalia Arnwine scored a team-high 25 points with Mya Belton rounding out the double-digit scoring with 12 points. Belton also grabbed 11 rebounds for the Pioneers.
Anderson built a 17 point lead at the half, refusing to relinquish the advantage. The Pioneers were able to cut the lead to six during the fourth quarter of action, but the Black and Gold held on to win the final regular season contest.
With the win, the Trojans are seeded fourth in the SAC Tournament and will open play in the quarterfinal round vs fifth seeded Limestone on Wednesday. Tip-off in the Abney Athletic Center is slated for 7 pm.
