COLUMBUS, GA. –The eighth-seeded Anderson University women's basketball team dropped a tough 73-62 decision to top-seed and host Columbus State, Friday afternoon at the Frank G. Lumpkin Center.
With the loss, Anderson finishes 21-7 overall while Columbus State improves to 29-1 overall.
The Trojans placed four players in double-digits with freshman Alexy Mollenhauer's team-high 18 points, five rebounds and three steals. Senior Jasmine Franklin scored 14 points grabbing eight rebounds while senior Heather Jankowy netted 11 points and dished out four assists. Freshman Madison Baggett chipped in 12 points while sharing the team-high with eight rebounds for the Trojans.
Capping off the scoring for the Black and Gold was senior Nakia Young (5) and freshman Makayla Green (2). Young also grabbed three rebounds, dished out two assist while recording three steals for Anderson.
Columbus State had three double-digits scorers with Alexis Carter leading all scorers with 22 points and 21 rebounds. Guard Gabby Williams netted 19 points and was credited with four steals while Britteny Tatum chipped in 12 points for the Cougars.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half with the Cougars making six more foul shots and three more shots from the floor to claim the 36-26 half-time advantage.
The Cougars came out of the half pushing the tempo and were able to convert on several shot jumpers. Columbus State's lead hovered around 12 points for most of the third frame with 17 being the largest lead.
Anderson was resilient eventually cutting the lead to nine with just under four minutes to play. During the last two minutes of action, the Cougars used a made jumper and 5-of-8 made free throws to stave off the Trojans, 73-62.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "Very proud of our seniors and how they led this team all year long. We would not be where we are today without them. Columbus State is a great team and we couldn't get our shots to fall. We never gave up, just like we never gave up all season long. We will be back!"
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-Columbus State's win was the first against the Trojans in three tries.
-Anderson has reached the NCAA Tournament 11 times and holds a 9-11 overall record in tournament action.
UP NEXT
Anderson 2016-17 season comes to a close with a 21-7 overall record while the Cougars advance to the second round on Saturday to face the winner of Limestone/Lander. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Lumpkin Center.
