Thorne Nets 28 As Women's Basketball Gets Past Wingate 67-57

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Catawba overcame a poor shooting afternoon and rallied past Wingate for a 67-57 victory in a South Atlantic Conference women's basketball game on Saturday at Goodman Gym. The win pushed the Catawba Indians to 11-3 overall and 4-1 in the SAC. The Bulldogs go to 9-4 and 2-2.

The Lady Indians shot just 29% in the opening half and were 2-of-18 from three-point range. Despite the poor shooting, Catawba was tied at 26-all with the Bulldogs after helping force 16 turnovers.

Wingate scored the opening basket of the second half and held the lead until late in the period when Janiya Downs put Catawba up 42-41 with 1:46 left. Entering the final quarter just 3-for-24 from behind the arc, Catawba finally found its shooting touch, making 3-of-4 in the final period.

Lyrik Thorne and Downs hit back-to back triples to give Catawba its largest lead at the time at 54-45 with 6:58 to go. Wingate rallied back within two at 59-57 on a basket by Hannah Clark with 2:03, but wouldn't score again. Downs and Thorne scored consecutive hoops and the Lady Indians wrapped up the game at the line, going 10-of-13 in the final period.

Thorne had a huge game from Catawba with 28 points and four steals. Downs was the only other player in double digits with 16. Sara McIntosh had eight points and eight boards.

Wingate was led by Bryanna Thompson and Laney Beale, who each scored a dozen. Lauren Sullivan recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 boards.

Wingate shot 45% in the loss and was 6-of-11 behind the arc. The Bulldogs were hurt by 27 turnovers to just 12 for the Lady Indians. Catawba would shoot 33% and finished 6-of-28 from long range.

Catawba will host Newberry on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.