WINGATE, N.C. –The Anderson University women's basketball team continued its strong team play including some key stops down the stretch to claim the one-point victory over South Atlantic Conference preseason favorite Wingate; 62-61 on Saturday afternoon at Cuddy Arena.
Anderson improved to 11-3 overall and 8-2 in the league while taking over sole possession of second place. Preseason favorite Wingate slipped to 11-4 overall and 7-3 in the conference action.
The Trojans were led by senior guard Heather Jankowy's game-high 17 points and nine assists which equaled her career-high. Freshman Alexy Mollenhauer chipped in 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting in 26 minutes of action while classmates Hannah Hodges and Madison Baggett contributed six points apiece. Baggett also grabbed a team-high seven rebounds on the afternoon.
Wingate placed two Bulldogs in double figures with Marta Miscenko recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Danasia Witherspoon also netted 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. The Bulldogs had eight different players log 20 minutes or more in the contest with each scoring at least three points.
The game featured seven lead changes and seven ties with the final tie coming at the 6:04 mark in the fourth period and lasting until the 2:45 mark after a made Bulldog free throw; 59-58. Anderson's Baggett made two huge plays in the final two minutes that led to a Trojan three point lead with 1:24 to play.
Wingate's Miscenko was able to convert on both her foul shots pulling the game within one with :50 seconds to play. The Bulldogs would regain possession after a missed jumper by AU's Mollenhauer calling timeout with 7.9 seconds on the clock to set up the final play. Wingate's Amber Neely drove the lane, but her shot bounced off the rim with Anderson's Baggett securing the rebound and preserving the one-point victory.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "This was a big test for us, coming off a loss and playing one of the top teams in our league on the road. I'm really proud of our girls and thankful for the win. Once again, it was a team effort and that is our identity."
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-Anderson has only won 5-of-10 over the Bulldogs, since joining the SAC.
-Heather Jankowy takes over sole possession of the number 5th spot for all-time 3-pointers made (170).
-The Black and Gold held the Bulldogs to just seven points in the second and fourth periods.
-The Trojans recorded their second highest team block total on the year (7).
UP NEXT
Anderson remains on the road to finish up its mini two-game road swing when they travel to Carson-Newman on Wed., Jan. 18. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.
