ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University (9-6, 3-3 SAC) placed four players in double-figure scoring to help the Trojans earn a home South Atlantic Conference win over Lincoln Memorial (10-6, 3-4 SAC) on Saturday afternoon at the Abney Athletic Center.
"Great effort tonight from our team," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "This was a typical AU vs LMU game, where it's always going to be a battle and a physical game between two competitive teams."
"Our run to start the third quarter was huge for us tonight," exclaimed Barbaree. "Also, it was nice to see our free throw percentage finally at a decent spot after the game. Those are key to earning any Conference win."
After a quick 5-0 run to open the game for Anderson, LMU played well in the middle half of the quarter enjoying its biggest lead of the game at seven points. The Black and Gold used the final four minutes of the opening frame to get within two points heading into quarter two, 18-16.
Senior Britney Bailey led AU with five points, including a three-point shot and four rebounds to help the Trojans take a two-point halftime lead, 30-28.
Anderson ramped up its defensive pressure to begin third quarter action, forcing the Railsplitters to turn the ball over five times in the third. Senior Brittney Stafford scored 10 of her 19 points on 8-of-8 free throw shooting. Senior Jalyn Spurlin chipped in six points and a steal during the quarter. AU eventually outscored LMU, 24-12, to increase its overall lead to, 54-40, with one period left to play.
The pesky Railsplitters would not just go away, eventually chipping away at the 14-point lead to pull within five points with 48 seconds remaining in the game. However, Anderson protected the basketball and made 3-of-4 free throws over the final time remaining to secure the win, 66-58.
Anderson shot a season high 22-of-28 (78.6%) from the charity strip, which help to offset a poor shooting night behind the arc (14.3%).
AU's Stafford scored a team-high 19 points, grabbing five rebounds and dishing out four assists. Spurlin dropped in 15 points and was credited with one rebound, one assist and two steals. Bailey recorded her third double-double of the season with a 12 point and 10 rebound effort, while sophomore Diamond McDowell chipped in 12 points, pulled in seven rebounds and recorded five steals.
LMU placed two players in double-figure scoring with Saquita Joyner scoring a game-high 22 points and Alexa Smiddy netting 20 points for the Railsplitters.
Anderson welcomes South Atlantic Conference opponent Coker on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
