WINGATE, N.C. – Anderson University women's basketball (18-8, 18-4 SAC) knocked off No.17 Wingate (21-3, 19-2 SAC), 88-71, behind a season high 56.1% shooting night from the field defeating the Bulldogs on its home floor on Wednesday evening at the Cuddy Arena.
"I am so proud of this team," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "Great effort all game against one of the best teams in the country. We got a little sloppy in the end, but did a strong enough job early to protect a lead."
"I thought defensively we did a great job the second and third quarter executing our game plan with a solid performance from Diamond, Taylor and Britney Bailey," stated Barbaree.
"Offensively Brittney Stafford really stepped up to challenge with clutch shooting, as well as Samantha showing her range today!" boasted Barbaree.
"Finally, I want to give credit to Shameka," said Barbaree. "It takes a team player to be willing to step to corner out of the way while being guarded by two players and let her team go to work."
Graduate Shameka McNeill paced the Trojans in the first half scoring 20 of her game-high 28 points. Junior Brittney Stafford tied her career high scoring 26 points on 8-of-12 from the field, 4-of-5 from behind the arc and 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Stafford's stellar play also consisted of seven rebounds, six assists and two steals. Graduate Samantha Michel came off the bench to net 13 points on 6-of-6 shooting. Michel grabbed six rebounds, blocked three shots, and was credited with two steals and two assists apiece. Freshman Diamond McDowell contributed nine points, four rebounds and three assists for the Trojans. Senior Britney Bailey ripped down eight rebounds while chipping in six points.
Wingate's Bryanna Troutman played a terrific game recording a double-double that produced 25 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Guard Hannah Clark scored 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while forward Lauren Sullivan chipped in 13 points.
Both Anderson and Wingate shot lights in the fast-paced first quarter of action, each scoring 25 points. AU's McNeill led all-scorers with 11 points, which included 3-of-6 from downtown.
Anderson maintained its high shooting percentage in the second period with Wingate cooling off a bit. AU's McNeill and WU's Troutman matched each other with nine points apiece, with the Trojans outscoring the Bulldogs, 20-13, in the frame.
Carrying a seven-point lead into the third quarter, the Black and Gold's play during this stanza proved to be the difference maker. Anderson held the Bulldogs to just 11 points, while scoring 23 on 9-of-15 (60%) from the field. McNeill scored her final eight points of the contest with Wingate switching defenses to double-team the league's leading scorer. Michel and Stafford scored seven points apiece to help build a 19 point cushion.
Despite being down by 19, the Bulldogs showed a ton of fight, ramping up its full-court pressure forcing seven of the 11 Trojan total turnovers. Wingate was able to cut the lead to 12 on two occasions with the last being at the 1:50 mark. Anderson closed out the deal by hitting a layup and 6-of-8 foul shots during that final time frame.
Anderson remains on the road when it travels to Catawba on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm.
