ANDERSON, S.C. The Anderson University women's basketball team battled hard and picked up a tough road win today over South Atlantic Conference opponent Lenoir-Rhyne; 77-76, Saturday afternoon at Shuford Gymnasium.
With the win, Anderson improves to 19-5 overall and 16-4 in the league while Lenoir-Rhyne falls to 15-11 overall and 11-9 in SAC play.
The Trojans placed four players in double-digits with only five players recording points. Senior Heather Jankowy and freshman Madison Baggett shared game-high honors with 22 points apiece. Baggett's 22 points tied her career-high while Jankowy's six made 3-pointers tied her career-best. Senior Jasmine Franklin scored 13 points while grabbing six rebounds. Freshman Alexy Mollenhauer netted 12 points while senior Bailey Sims chipped in eight for the Black and Gold.
Lenoir-Rhyne placed three in double figures with Brooke Robinson scoring a team-high 21 points. Chelsey Romero recorded a double-double for the Bears with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Finishing off the double-digit scoring, Madi Suddreth netted 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 4-of-4 from the line.
The Bears controlled the first half of play outscoring the Trojans, 39-33 heading into intermission. Within the first minute of the third quarter, Lenoir-Rhyne was able to build its largest lead of the game, 42-33. However, the Trojans went to work and slowly took the lead for the first time since the six minute mark in the first period. The Bears were able retake the lead, 58-55, to end the third period.
A back and forth fourth quarter set up for a great ending with the Trojans taking a one point lead with one minute to play on Jankowy's sixth made 3-pointer of the afternoon. LR's Robinson was fouled with 11 seconds remaining making both free throws to give the home team a one point advantage, 76-75.
The Black and Gold called a time-out to advance the ball to mid-court and draw up a final play. With two seconds remaining, Mollenhauer was fouled. The native of Lindale, Texas stepped to the line and drained both foul shots to give the Trojans a one point lead with two ticks left. The Bears were unable to sink their final shot giving the Black and Gold a huge road win.
Head Coach Jonathon Barbaree's Thoughts: "I am proud of this team. We fought hard the whole game and never gave up. Lenoir-Ryne is one of the top defenses in the country and we were fortunate our shots fell in the second half. As a team we are banged up and battling the flu a bit, but we never give up."
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-The Trojans have won five straight games while defeating the Bears for the 10th straight time.
-Anderson shot its second highest percentage on the year from behind the arc, 57.1% (12-21).
-Jankowy needs just five 3-point baskets to move into the 4th spot in program history for career 3-pointers made.
-The Black and Gold recorded a season low for turnovers (8).
-Anderson is 19-0 when leading with one minute remaining in the contest.
UP NEXT
Anderson travels to league leading SAC opponent Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.