WISE Va. – Despite a couple of long scoring droughts, Anderson University women's basketball (1-1) took advantage of its third quarter scoring surge to defeat nonconference opponent Flagler (0-1), 63-55 on Saturday afternoon at the South Atlantic Conference/Peach Belt Conference challenge hosted by UVA Wise at the Prior Center.
"We're excited that we had the chance to bounce back today with the win," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I thought we did a much better job of getting the ball inside and eventually to the free throw line. Our last five minutes of the second quarter and the first five of the third quarter were exactly what we were trying to do and it was the lift that we needed."
"We hope to build on that and continue to grow as a team," added Barbaree.
Flagler won the opening quarter, 18-16 and was unable to take advantage of the Trojans first of two scoring droughts with AU going nearly three minutes without a point in the second period of action. The Saints and Trojans tied the second stanza with 14 points apiece giving Flagler a two-point lead at halftime.
Anderson opened the third quarter of play with more intensity on both ends which proved to be the difference in the game. The Black and Gold outscored Flagler, 20-11 in the third frame and held to its lead during the fourth quarter of action.
The Trojans placed three players in double figure scoring with senior Brittney Stafford scoring a game-high 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the field and 6-of-6 shooting from the line. Stafford also pulled down four rebounds, dishing out four assists while turning the ball over on just one occasion. Sophomore Diamond McDowell netted 14 points while ripping down 10 rebounds to record her first double-double of the season. Despite sitting most of the game, due to foul trouble, senior Britney Bailey scored 10 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Senior Nelliah Wilson chipped in nine points and grabbed 13 rebounds with six points and 10 rebounds coming in the decisive third quarter.
Flagler placed two players in double-figures with Sharale McCormick scoring a team-high 19 points. Taylor Gardner added 12 points on 3-of-3 shooting from behind the arc.
The Trojans will remain on the road to face nonconference opponent Young Harris on Thursday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
