GREENVILLE, S.C. – Anderson University women's basketball (18-12) used balanced scoring and a solid defensive effort to oust No. 2 seed Wingate (22-7) from the South Atlantic Conference Tournament semifinals on Saturday afternoon at Timmons Arena.
"So excited for our team and the opportunity that they have earned," stated head coach Jonathon Barbaree.
"Today we were focused on playing solid defense," said Barbaree. "We knew they were a great scoring team and that would be a tough task. Luckily our offense came with us."
"Once again, I thought several players stepped up with either key shots or key blocks, added Barbaree. "I want to really give credit to Xan and the defensive pressure she is giving each game. It is a stat that is not always noticed, but she is doing a great job."
"Diamond and Brit grabbing boards and knocking down big shot after big shot was also big for us," emphasized Barbaree.
"With that said, it is time to move forward and start prepping for the next game," said Barbaree.
Anderson poured in 50 first half points holding the Bulldogs to 32, including an eight- point second quarter.
Wingate stormed back in the third period of action, outscoring the Trojans, 21-9, to cut the lead to six points with one quarter left to play.
The Black and Gold was able survive the run and settle back into the flow of the game in the fourth period of play. Senior Nelliah Wilson gave AU a jolt scoring five points, including a 3-for-3 effort from the free throw line. Seniors Jalyn Spurlin and Brittney Stafford scored eight and seven points, respectively, including going for a combined 9-of-13 from the charity stripe.
For the game, Stafford and Spurlin shared team-high honors scoring 19 points apiece. Sophomore Diamond McDowell netted 18 points and hauled in 11 rebounds to record her 14th double-double of the season. McDowell was also credited with four assists and two blocked shots. Senior Britney Bailey owned the glass, ripping down 12 rebounds and chipping in 12 points to record her ninth double-double of the season. Wilson and freshman Ashlyn Sheridan each contributed eight points and pulling down seven and five rebounds, respectively.
Wingate's Bryanna Troutman led all-scorer's with 26 points. Troutman also grabbed 14 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Also, scoring in double-digits for Wingate was guard Emily Hege with 11 and guard Laney Beale with 10.
Anderson's Xan Rowland was tasked with guarding SAC's Freshman of the Year. Rowland did a tremendous job of taking her out of the game only allowing Hege to score six points when guarded by the senior. Hege finished the game with 11 points, which is below her season average.
Anderson continues its run to win the SAC Tournament when it squares off with Lenoir-Rhyne in the Finals on Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 1 pm inside Timmons Arena.
