ANDERSON, S.C. – The fourth-seeded Anderson University women's basketball (20-9) team used a solid defensive effort and balanced attack to defeat the fifth-seeded Limestone Saints, 67-50, in the South Atlantic Conference quarterfinal game on Wednesday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.
"I am really proud of our team effort tonight against a great team, said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I thought defensively we were locked in and that's what helped us to gain the victory."
"We are excited to advance to the semifinals Saturday back at Furman's Timmons Arena," stated Barbaree. "It's a great atmosphere and a lot fun to play in. We'd love for our fans to come join us and if any AU students want come let me know and I'll get you in!"
Graduate Shameka McNeill led all-scorer's dropping in 20 points. McNeill also grabbed six rebounds and was credited with two steals in 29 minutes of action. Freshman Diamond McDowell scored 11 points, pulled down seven rebounds while handing out three assists. Junior Brittney Stafford netted nine points, chased down four rebounds, dished out four assists and was credited with four steals. Graduate Samantha Michel chipped in eight points and ripped down nine rebounds. Michel added three blocked shots to her career total (108) moving her into 5th all-time on AU's program history list.
Limestone placed two players in double-digit scoring with Reagan McCray scoring a team-high 15 points. Sophomore Reagan Kargo chipped in 13 points going 6-of-6 from the foul line.
After the Trojans opened up the contest with an 11-2 run, the Saints settled in and both teams put on a great defensive effort for the rest of the half, 26-17.
Anderson came out of halftime with the same defensive intensity, paired with getting some shots to fall. The Trojans were able to build its largest lead of the game, 21 points, with 1:25 remaining in the third quarter.
Limestone was able to pressure the Trojans during the fourth period of action, but Anderson was able to counter each Saint blow. The Saints won the fourth quarter, 15-14, however the lead was too large to overcome.
Anderson advances to the SAC semifinals and will play the No. 1 seed, Wingate, who narrowly escaped an upset by the eighth-seed Pioneers of Tusculum, 57-54.
The Trojans and Bulldogs will square off at noon on Saturday at Timmons Arena on the campus of Furman University.
