ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University (6-5, 1-1 SAC) shot just 16.7% in the second quarter of play, dropping a home South Atlantic Conference contest against league foe No. 17 Wingate (7-1, 1-1 SAC), 90 – 81, on Wednesday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.
"Never want to lose at home, but I was proud of how we fought to the end," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "If you love offense you go to see a lot of it I the second half. For us though, we have to defend better than we did without fouling."
"We will continue to work on that and get ready for the next one," added Barbaree.
The always anticipated battle between two solid programs, did not disappoint. The high scoring affair was Wingate highest scoring output of the season and despite the slow second scoring quarter for the Trojans, it was the Black and Gold's third highest total.
The game featured five lead changes and was tied on six occasions with the scoring difference occurring with the Bulldogs outscoring Anderson 19-11 in the second period. Anderson fell behind as much as 17 points with 2:04 left to play in the third quarter.
The Trojans dug in and eventually cut the lead to eight with 40 seconds remaining, forcing the Bulldogs to make their foul shots in the final minute. Wingate was able to step to the line and hit 3-of-4 to keep AU from completing the comeback.
Freshman Ashlyn Sheridan tied game-high scoring honors by hitting a career-high 25 points. Sheridan went 8-of-17 from the field, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc. The native of Knoxville, Tenn., also notched career-highs in steals with two and blocked shot with three. Senior Brittney Stafford dropped in 16 points and dished out seven assists, while Jalyn Spurlin and sophomore Diamond McDowell chipped in 11 apiece.
Wingate's Emily Hege also enjoyed a career-high night in scoring with 25 points. Hannah Clark netted 19 points with Bryanna Troutman and Jaia Wilson scoring 12 each. Laura Kozo joined in on the double-digit scoring by chipping in 10 points in 18 minutes of action.
Anderson remains home to host South Atlantic Conference opponent No. 7 Lenoir-Rhyne on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm.
