ANDERSON , S.C. – Despite a strong defensive effort, the Anderson University women's basketball team fell to South Atlantic Conference leader No. 9 Lincoln Memorial; 67-58 on Wednesday afternoon at the Abney Center.
With the loss, Anderson falls to 10-3 overall and 7-2 in the conference while Lincoln Memorial remains undefeated at 14-0 overall and 9-0 in the SAC.
The Trojans were not alone in their defensive effort as the Railsplitters held the Black and Gold to 13 points below their season average. Anderson only placed one player in double-figures with senior Jasmine Franklin's 11 points in limited action, due to foul trouble. Seniors Nakia Young and junior Kaylee Koerperich added nine points while senior Heather Jankowy was held without a basket for the first time this season. Jankowy was still able to contribute by shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line.
Lincoln Memorial placed three players in double-figures with two Railspitters recording double-doubles. Senior Megan Pittman led all scorers with her game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds. Senior center Josey Harding scored 18 points, 12 from the free throw line, and grabbed 23 rebounds on the night. Junior Shea Coker chipped in 14 points and three rebounds.
The game featured eight ties and six lead changes with the final stat sheet relatively the same for both teams. At a glance, the biggest difference was LMU shot 70.3% (26-37) from the charity stripe to AU's 60.7% (17-28) with the Railspitters outrebounding the Black and Gold 55-38.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "I thought we fought hard tonight. All and all it was good defensive battle between two great teams. Down the stretch we gave up some second chance attempts that lead to fouls and them getting to the line. We will learn from it and get right back at it."
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-Anderson has been outrebounded for only the fourth time this season and second in a row.
-Tonight's loss snapped a five game win streak over Lincoln Memorial.
UP NEXT
Anderson hits the road for a two-game road swing when they travel to SAC opponent Wingate on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
