UVA WISE, Va. – Anderson University women's basketball (15-8, 15-4 SAC) used a solid team effort to defeat South Atlantic Conference opponent UVA Wise, 76-62, on Saturday afternoon at the Prior Center.
"I thought we did a good job of overcoming some early shooting woe's, especially around the basket as well as some early foul trouble," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree.
"Defensively we made some little mistakes in the first half but we responded in the second half with a great third quarter," stated Barbaree.
"I am looking forward to playing at home this week for two games, including our annual Play4Kay fundraiser game next Saturday," added Barbaree.
Anderson place two player's in double-digit scoring with graduates Shameka McNeill scoring a game-high 24 points, while Samantha Michel netting 11 points for the Trojans. Michel added eight rebounds to nearly record a double-double in just 19 minutes of action. Flirting with a double-double, junior Neillah Wilson scored eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds and junior Brittney Stafford nine points, while chasing down seven rebounds.
UVA Wise placed three player's in double-digit scoring with guard Nia Vanzant recording a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kalee Johnson scored 13 while Meg Crawford chipped in 12 points.
The Trojans led the first half 39-35, holding the Cavilers scoreless over the final 2 minutes and 12 seconds.
UVA Wise stayed within eight after a low scoring third quarter by both team, 12-9.
Anderson Hair drained a three-point basket to begin the fourth quarter, while McNeill followed with a quick 5-0 burst of points to give the Black and Gold a 13 point lead. With the Cavilers still fighting, AU's Stafford hit the dagger three-point shot to put AU up, 67-51, with five minute to play.
AU's Michel made two jumpers to give the Trojans their largest lead of the game, 71-51, with under four minutes to go. UVA Wise outscored Anderson, 11-5, over the final 3:33. However, the Black and Gold's lead was too great to overcome.
Anderson returns to action on Wednesday when it host South Atlantic Conference opponent Newberry. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
