HARTSVILLE, S.C – The Anderson University women's basketball team (13-8 13-4 SAC) shot 7-of-7 from the foul line down the stretch to help preserve its road win at Coker (5-13, 3-12 SAC) defeating the Cobras, 67-54, on Saturday afternoon the DeLoach Center.
"We showed a lot of grit today to gain a conference road win, said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. Coker played a great physical game against us."
"Shameka hit some clutch shots to help maintain our lead and Samantha made some good defensive plays", added Barbaree. We also did a good job at the free throw line."
"I am looking forward to playing at home Wednesday for our Annual Black History month game," stated Barbaree.
Anderson's Shameka McNeill scored a career-high 36 points while adding five rebounds and two steals to her stat line. McNeill nailed 7-of-11 three-point baskets eclipsing her previous best of five on three occasions. Freshman Diamond McDowell recorded her third double-double of the season netting 14 points and ripping down 12 rebounds. Junior Neillah Wilson chipped in eight points while pulling down nine rebounds for the Black and Gold. Graduate Samantha Michel recorded five rebounds, four blocks and a steal in 14 minutes of action.
Coker placed three players in double-digit scoring with reserve Ahlea Myers scoring a team-high 15 points. Saquita Joyner dropped in 11 points while Hope Richardson added 10 points for the Cobras.
The Cobras began the game with a 5-0 run before Anderson answered back with a 7-0 run of its own. The Trojans maintained the lead until Diamond Jackson's three-point basket put Coker up, 15-14,with under a minute left in the first quarter action.
In the second quarter, a made jump shot by McNeill put the Trojans ahead, 16-15, with 8:33 remaining in the half. Anderson continued to lead the game until Ahlea Myers jumper put the Cobras back ahead, 22-21. AU's 7-0 run to end the quarter put the Black and Gold ahead, 28-22, at halftime.
The Trojans were able to maintain a fairly comfortable lead during the third period of action. Junior Britney Stafford's three-point basket put AU up by 12 with 6:32 to play in the period. Anytime the Cobras started to gain traction, Anderson was able to answer, carrying a nine point lead into the final quarter of action.
Anderson scored its highest quarter output for the game with 21 points. Backed by solid defense and shooting perfect (7-of-7) down the stretch from the foul line preserved the important road win for the Trojans, 67-54.
Anderson returns home to host Lincoln Memorial on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
