WINGATE, N.C. – Despite a valiant second half effort, the Anderson University women's basketball (10-9, 4-5 SAC) could not overcome its slow start and early deficit to complete the comeback over South Atlantic Conference foe Wingate (13-6, 5-4 SAC) dropping the road contest, 69-61, on Wednesday evening at Cuddy Arena.
"I really love the fight we showed tonight," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "When we cut the lead to four, we got some great looks that just didn't fall, but I'm really proud of the team. Nelly gave us a big lift off of the bench tonight."
The Trojans fell behind, 24-10, after one quarter of action and could not make up any ground the second period of play, 38-28. Anderson got down as many 15 points in the third frame, before finding some rhythm cutting it to six points with the final quarter to play.
Wingate pushed its lead back to double-digits, 57-46, with nine minutes to go. Anderson would not go away, pulling back to within four points at the 6:52 mark. Unfortunately, the Black and Gold went through a stretch where the ball would not fall through the hoop, allowing the Bulldogs to increase its lead back to eight.
AU senior Brittney Stafford's fifth three-point basket of the game cut the lead to five with just under a minute to play. Wingate was able to secure the win, making its free throws to hold off the Trojans.
Stafford finished the contest with a game-high 19 points, five rebounds and three steals. Senior Nelliah Wilson came off the bench to record her second double-double of the season with a 14-point, 11 rebound performance. Sophomore Diamond McDowell chipped in 12 points and ripped down nine rebounds on the evening.
Wingate reserve Jaia Wilson scored a team-high 17 points, while Emily Hege netted 13 points and seven rebounds. Lauren Sullivan and AJ Davis chipped in 11 apiece to help the Bulldogs complete the season sweep over the Trojans.
Anderson returns to the friendly confines of the Abney Athletic Center to host South Atlantic Conference opponent UVA Wise on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm.
