GREENEVILLE, TENN. – The Anderson University women's basketball team could not overcome the hot shooting Pioneers in South Atlantic Conference action falling, 74-51, on Thursday evening at the Pioneer Arena.
With the setback, Anderson drops to 12-6 overall and 6-4 in conference action while Tusculum improves to 12-4 overall and 7-3 SAC play.
Anderson junior reserve Ace Easter was the lone Trojan to reach double-digits scoring a team-high 11 points. Freshmen Alexis Tate and Taylor Hair gave the Black and Gold solid minutes scoring nine and eight points, respectively. Hair ripped down nine rebounds and was credited with two assists and two blocks.
Tusculum placed five players in double-figures with Mia Long scoring a game-high 19 points draining 3-of-6 3-point baskets while shooting 8-of-10 from the field. Sydney Wilson scored 17 points while Yolizma Cupidan netted 11 for the Pioneers. Kasey Johnson and Kendrea Duke each chipped in 10 points in the winning effort.
Anderson's only lead of the game was the opening made basket by forward Alexis Dillard. Tusculum built an 18 point advantage following first period action while building a 21 point lead during second period play. AU's Easter scored all 11 of her points in the final four minutes of the second stanza to help pull the Trojans to within 14.
The Black and Gold went stone cold in the third period scoring a basket at the 8:37 minute mark and not again until senior Jasmine Raynor's layup with 1:21 remaining in the quarter. The Pioneers ultimately outscored the Trojans 18-6 pushing their lead to 26 points.
Tusculum enjoyed its largest lead of the game, 73-42, with six minutes to play in the fourth. The 31 point advantage proved too much for the Trojans to overcome.
EXTRA DRIBBLE
-After winning 11 straight games over Tusculum, the Pioneers have claimed the last two meetings.
-First game of the season for AU that at least one starter did not score in double-digits.
-Tusculum shot 70.6% (12-17) from the field in the first period and 78% (7-9) from beyond the arc for the first half of play.
UP NEXT
Anderson returns home to welcome SAC opponent Lenoir-Rhyne to the Abney Athletic Center. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
