Greeneville, Tenn.- The Anderson University basketball team toppled the South Atlantic Conference's top-ranked team Tusculum, 66-50, by establishing a strong defensive presence early that the Pioneers could not shake on Wednesday evening at the Pioneer Arena. The Trojans move to 10-6 overall and 9-5 in SAC play, while the Pioneers slip to 11-2 overall and 11-2 conference action.
"Wow, I am so proud of this team," exclaimed head coach Barbaree. "Over the last month we have been handed some difficult tasks of being so short handed, but these young women just keep answering the call."
"Tonight was a great team road win," emphasized Barbaree. "Every player that was dressed did something to contribute, while those not dressed were cheering hard and their energy could be felt."
"I have to point out how big Britney was for us tonight," said Barbaree. "I am so proud of her. She has been grinding for two years behind a great player just waiting for her moment. She trusted the process and she is really showing all of us how hard she worked in the off season."
"We have played three games in five days and have taken about 10 Covid tests it seems, but this team is getting better through it all," added Barbaree. "We are looking forward to being back home this Saturday… Lord willing."
KEY STATS
- Anderson shot 44.8 percent from the field, while Tusculum shot just 23.2 percent.
- The Trojans outrebound the Pioneers, 50-37.
- Anderson shot 85.7 (12-14) from the free throw line.
- The Black and Gold scored 34 points in the paint, with the Pioneers only netting 12 points.
KEY TROJANS
- Britney Bailey scored a career-high 20 points (eight-of-12 shooting) and ripped down 11 rebounds to record her fourth double-double of the year.
- J'Mya Cutter scored 14 points, pulled down eight rebounds, dished out five assists, blocked two shots and was credited with one steal.
- Samantha Michel chipped in 13 points and grabbed three rebounds in just 15 minutes of action.
- Kaitlin Bailey and McKenzie Gadson each pulled down seven rebounds.
NOTES
- The Pioneers shot just 1-of-17 in the opening period of action, with the Trojans recording four blocked shots.
FIRST QUARTER
- Anderson outscored Tusculum, 16-8.
- Five of Tusculum's eight points came at the free throw line.
SECOND QUARTER
- The Trojans outscored Tusculum, 17-9. During the second quarter of play.
- AU built a 17-point lead on B. Bailey's layup with 2:16 remaining in the half.
THIRD QUARTER
- Anderson enjoyed its largest lead of the game, 24 points, on a fast break layup by B. Bailey.
-AU carried a 21-point lead into the fourth period.
FOURTH QUARTER
- Tusculum used a 9-0 run to open the fourth stanza to cut the lead to 12 points with 7:37 to play.
- Cutter's layup at the 6:23 mark stopped the run
- After two made foul shots by the Pioneers, Cutter grabbed an offensive rebound and found Michel who dropped in the layup to push the lead to 14 once again.
-The Pioneer's cut the lead to 11 points on a made three-point basket.
- Michel answered back with a traditional three-point play.
- Tusculum could not come any closer and the Black and Gold their lead to 18 points with 40 seconds to play.
-AU went 6-for-6 down the stretch from the charity stripe.
UP NEXT
-Anderson will host SAC opponent UVA Wise on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 4 pm.
