ANDERSON, S.C. – Paced by sophomore Alexy Mollenhauer's season-high 24 points and a strong team defensive effort, the Anderson University women's basketball team defeated number sixth-seeded Tusculum, 69-62, on Wednesday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.
Anderson improved to 20-9 overall advancing to the semifinal round of the South Atlantic Conference Championship on Saturday while Tusculum's season ends with a 16-11 overall mark.
Mollenhauer shot 7-of-9 from the field while draining 4-of-5 3-point baskets. The sophomore guard nailed all six free-throws while pulling down six rebounds. Graduate student Alexis Dillard scored 13 points while grabbing six rebounds with senior Kaylee Koerperich capping off the double-digit scoring with 11 points. Koerperich grabbed six rebounds while being credited with a blocked shot.
Tusculum placed three players in double-figures with Sydney Wilson scoring a team-high 17 points. Reserve Lovely Locklear netted 15 points while Kasey Johnson chipped in 11 points and six rebounds for the Pioneers.
Anderson held a five to seven point lead the majority of the first two quarters heading into half-time with a, 33-28 advantage.
The Trojans quickly pushed the lead to eight to start the third period on a good jumper by Koerperich and a 3-point basket by Mollenhauer. Over time, the Black and Gold built a 15 point lead on another made 3-point basket by Mollenhauer with 1 minute remaining in the third frame.
Mollenhauer's 3-point basket proved to be the last made basket for the Trojans over the next 4:05 giving way to a Pioneer 13-0 run. Anderson sophomore Madison Baggett stopped the run with a steal and made lay-up. The Trojans pushed the lead to seven twice before a made jumper and 3-point basket by Tusculum brought the Pioneers within two points with 2:18 to play.
Anderson got a couple stops forcing Tusculum to foul. The Trojans went 6-for-6 down the stretch to help seal the win. 69-62.
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-The Trojans outrebounded the Pioneers 35-27.
-Anderson has won its last 7-of-8 games.
-On the season, the Trojans were 18-1 while leading at the half.
-The Black and Gold made 11 more free-throws than the Pioneers attempted.
UP NEXT
No. 3 Anderson will play No. 2 Wingate on Saturday for the semifinal round of the SAC Championships. Tip-off is slated for 2:30 p.m. at Timmons Arena in Greenville, S.C.
Saturday, March 3 (Timmons Arena, Greenville, S.C.)
Game 5: Carson-Newman 1 vs. Lincoln Memorial, Noon
Game 6: Wingate 3 vs. Anderson, 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 4 (Timmons Arena, Greenville, S.C.)
Game 7: winner game 5 vs. winner game 6, 1:00 p.m.
