Savannah, Ga. –Less than 24 hours after suffering a season opening loss, the Anderson University women's basketball team recorded its first win of the 2016-17 season defeating Peach Belt opponent Armstrong State, 74-60, Saturday afternoon at the South Atlantic Conference-Peach Belt Challenge in Savanna, Ga.
With the win, Anderson moves to 1-1 on the young season while Armstrong State drops to 0-2 overall after losing its season opener to SAC opponent Wingate on Friday.
COACHES CORNER
"Great team win today," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We had players step up in every way. We still have a lot to work on but the energy in the second half is what we have to have every game from the beginning to the end."
"We are looking forward to playing at home this Wednesday," noted Barbaree. "It's a white out event so bring your energy and come join us!"
INSIDE THE BOX
-At the half, Anderson was shooting 36.6% (4-11) from the free throw line, 46.2% (12-26) from the field and 30.8% (4-13) behind the arc. Senior Heather Jankowy led the team in points with 10 while senior Alexis Dillard grabbed six boards.
-For the game, Dillard recorded her first double-double of the season and 10th of her career with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Jankowy led all Trojans scorers with 20 points followed by freshman Alexy Mollenhauer who poured in 19 points while adding three assists and two steals. Senior Jasmine Franklin netted 12 points and was credited with three rebounds, three assists and two steals.
-As a team, the Trojans shot 47.1% (24-51) from the field, 61.3% (19-33) from the free throw line and 30.4% (7-23) from 3-point land while committing 15 turnovers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter
The Trojans opened up the scoring first on a made free throw by Franklin with Anderson's scoring seven straight before the Pirates scored their first point.
Anderson's lead remained between three and five points until Armstrong State's Brianna Gipson hit a lay-up and free throw to cut the lead to one with 13 seconds to play in the quarter. Anderson's Mollenhauer answered back with a 3 –point basket to end the period extending the lead back to three, 19-16.
Second Quarter
Armstrong State outscored the Trojans 17-13 seeing its biggest lead of the game reach six with 2:13 remaining in the quarter.
Three 3-points baskets by the Trojans kept the Pirates in check not allowing them to make a run of their own. Jankowy's second 3-pointer of the period helped the Black and Gold regain the lead with 18 seconds remaining. However, a layup by Machala Raymonville to end the quarter pushed the Pirates lead back to one, 33-22.
Third Quarter
During third quarter action, Anderson went on a 10-0 run to open play to go up by nine on a short jumper by junior Kaylee Koerperich. The Trojans continued their run throughout the quarter enjoying their largest lead of the game, 52-37 on a layup by Franklin.
Armstrong State drew the game back to nine to end the third quarter, 56-47.
Fourth Quarter
The Trojans held the Pirates scoreless for the first five minutes of the fourth quarter mounting a 15-0 run, ultimately putting Armstrong State away. Senior Bailey Sims scored on a layup to give Anderson its largest lead of the game, 71-47.
The Pirates could not answer while the Trojans held on to secure the 14 point victory, 74-60.
ANDERSON STAT OF THE GAME
The Trojans' victory was Barbaree's first collegiate win as a NCAA head coach (1-1 overall).
NOTABLES
Dillard shot 6-of-6 from the field while Mollehauer shot 7-of-11 from the field, 3-of-6 from behind the arc and a perfect 2-for-2 on her career high performance.
UP NEXT
Anderson will open up its regular season home schedule when it welcomes rival Erskine to the Abney Center on Wednesday with a coveted Beville point up for grabs. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.
