ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University women's basketball (14-12, 8-8 SAC) seniors flourished in the spotlight to help AU win its South Atlantic Conference game against the Limestone Saints (13-13, 8-8 SAC), 75-65, on Saturday afternoon at the Abney Athletic Center.
"It is always great to win on Senior Day," emphasized head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We needed that win and it started with our defense."
"I thought we did a good job of sharing the ball on offense, so that shots would fall," stated Barbaree.
"Big shout out to Xan today for stepping up Tex's absence," added Barbaree.
Both teams got off to a slow start with Anderson claiming the, 12-7, first quarter lead. As the game progressed, Anderson got better and better on the defensive end, opening opportunities offensively. Anderson increased its lead outscoring the Saints 21-18 in the second stanza to carry an eight-point lead into halftime.
The Black and Gold opened the game up during the third period of action. Anderson made four three-points baskets in a span of two and a half minutes to increase its lead to 19 points. Sophomore Diamond McDowell started the barrage with senior Xan Rowland hitting the next two and senior Britney Bailey capping it off from downtown at the 4:10 mark of the third quarter.
AU's Rowland struck again in the fourth period, with her fourth 3-point basket of the game, to give the Trojans their largest lead of the contest at 24. Anderson weathered a mini-run by the Saints to win, 75-65.
Senior Jalyn Spurlin led all-scorer's with 17 points. Spurlin also recorded four rebounds and dished out four assists. Senior Britney Bailey netted 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Bailey was credited with 10 rebounds to earn her sixth double-double of the season. Rowland played a steady 35 minutes, chipping in 13 points, grabbing four rebounds and dishing out two assists, while senior Nelliah Wilson contributed 10 points and eight rebounds. McDowell finished the game with 10 points and 15 rebounds to earn her 10th double-double of the season. McDowell also dished out six assists. Graduate Caria Reynolds came off the bench to provide solid minutes and energy, scoring three points and pulling in one rebound in 10 minutes of play.
Limestone placed three players in double-digit scoring with Kalisha Hill scoring 11 points and pulling in seven rebounds. Reserve Megan Watson dropped in 11 points, while Destiny Jackson netted 10 points.
Anderson remains home to host its final regular season game against SAC opponent Tusculum on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
