Anderson, S.C.- Coming off of one of the most successful seasons in Trojan history, Anderson University women's basketball team has unveiled its 2019-20 schedule.
The 2018-19 edition of the Trojans closed the season with a 30-3 overall record, a South Atlantic Conference regular season title (20-0), a SAC Tournament title and a 13th overall appearance in the NCAA Tournament, highlighted by hosting rights for the Southeast Region. AU was eliminated from the postseason in the NCAA semifinals by Peach Belt opponent Lander. Prior to the tournament setback, the top-seeded Trojans enjoyed a record breaking 28 game win streak.
Prior to the start of the 2019-20 season, the Trojans open the year with an exhibition matchup on Oct. 31 with Division I opponent, North Carolina State of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Wolfpack advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the second straight year, posting an overall 28-6 record.
"We played NC State last season and I was very excited that Coach Moore wanted us to come up again this year," head coach Jonathon Barbaree said. "It is such a great opportunity to play against a nationally ranked team and to play in front of such a large crowd."
The regular season for Anderson begins on Nov. 8 & Nov. 9 when it hosts the Conference Challenge. The Black and Gold will open with Georgia College on Friday at 3:30 pm, followed by Clayton State on Saturday at 1:30 pm. The Trojans lost the 2018-19 season opener to Clayton State, 66-67, but bounced back defeating the Bobcats by 29 points in last season's Conference Challenge hosted by Clayton State. AU continues it four-game home stretch with non-conference opponents Claflin and University of Alabama-Huntsville on the 13th and 16th of November, respectively.
"Really excited to get to play at home first this season, especially when these region games tend to mean so much in the voting later down the road," added Barbaree. "We follow the Conference Challenge with opponents that play two different styles from each other and we will see both within our conference, so both of these games will be very beneficial."
The Trojans then square off with Peach Belt foe Lander on the Bearcats home court. Anderson and Lander split during last season, however Lander's victory eliminated the Black and Gold from the NCAA Tournament.
"Glad we get a chance to play them again," said Barbaree. "They are going to be extremely good and it is going to be a great atmosphere road test for us."
Anderson will then begin its conference play on the road with its first stop at Queens and new SAC member UVA-Wise. AU returns home to welcome Carson-Newman which has traditionally been a tough matchup.
The Trojans will play five games in the month of December with three being played outside the friendly confines of the Abney Athletic Center.
AU will begin the New Year with a tough conference road matchup with Tusculum and then welcome Wingate for a SAC showdown on Jan. 8. Four of the remaining six games in January will be played on Annie Tribble Court inside Abney Athletic Center.
"All road games in the SAC are tough, but Tusculum always plays really well at home and has an exciting environment," said Barbaree. "As for Wingate, anytime we play it is always a battle and comes down to who makes their free throws and can take care of the ball."
The Black and Gold will play five of the final nine regular season contests on the road.
"The SAC is going to be tough like it is every year, added Barbaree. "Key players graduated from many of the teams, but the new players coming in are talented and I believe will step up for each program, helping our conference continue to be the one to beat in the region."
