GREENVILLE, S.C- Despite missing a total of 12 free throws, N0. 4 Anderson University (21-9) women's basketball team upset the top-seeded Bulldogs from Wingate (21-4, 76-69, on Saturday afternoon at Timmons Arena. With the win, the Trojans advance to the finals to played on Sunday afternoon.

"What a battle," stated head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I am so proud of how our team fought to the finish. We challenged ourselves to play with grit that fourth quarter."

 "Free throws have to be better, but at least we continue to get there," added Barbaree.

 "As a team a lot of players stepped up in different ways, but we're not done yet," emphasized Barbaree.

Graduate Shameka McNeill scored 20 points, grabbed two rebounds and dished out two assists, while junior Brittney Stafford netted 15 points, three rebounds, four assists and one steal. Stafford a perfect 11-of-11 from the charity stripe. Freshman Diamond McDowell recorded a double-double dropping in 14 points and ripping down 14 rebounds.

Anderson scored the first 10 points of the game, before the Bulldogs were able to settle in. AU held an 8-point margin, heading into the second quarter of action, 18-10.

The Trojans held strong to their lead not letting Wingate gain any momentum until the only blemish for Anderson, missing free throws, caught up with them in the third quarter of action. Wingate took its first lead of the game, 50-48, late in the third quarter. The two-point lead was short-lived as AU's senior Taylor Hair drained a three-point basket to gain the lead right back.

The fourth quarter of play was lively with Anderson remaining steady. The Trojans founds it groove at the charity stripe, hitting 7-of-8 down the stretch to help them secure a spot in the SAC finals.

Anderson will square off with No. 2 Carson-Newman on Sunday. Tip-off is slated for 1 pm.