MARS HILL, N.C. – Fighting through a 16-day layoff, Anderson women's basketball (10-2, 2-2 SAC) opened its New Year slate with a South Atlantic Conference win over Mars Hill (6-8, 1-4 SAC), 72-61, on Saturday afternoon at Stanford Arena.
"Thought we had a gutsy performance tonight as a lot of shots did not fall our way most of the game," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I thought we made some timely runs with our defense to help counter when they continued to cut the lead."
"It's definitely been a long time since we played last, so that showed at times, but always great to get a confidence win on the road," added Barbaree.
Both teams started the game sluggish with each team shooting less than 30 percent from the field. Anderson did force nine Lion turnovers to help take the 17-14 first quarter lead.
The Trojans picked up the pace in the second period, shooting 50 percent from the field. AU also continued to force Mars Hill into eight more turnovers to help build a 36-23 halftime lead.
Anderson led by as many as 19 points during the third quarter, starting the final period of action leading by 17, 56-39. Mars Hill could not overcome the deficit dropping its home contest to the Black and Gold, 72-61.
Senior Zamiya Passmore scored a team-high 18 points, chased down seven rebounds, dished out four assists and was credited with three steals in the win. Sophomore Ashlyn Sheridan scored 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting and pulled in five rebounds. Junior Diamond McDowell netted 15 points while Nelly Wilson added 13 points, nine rebounds and four blocked shots from off the bench to help energize the Trojans.
Mars Hill placed three players in double-figures with Tateyonia Harris dropping in 18 points and ripping down 13 rebounds to record a double-double. Maddie Gillie and Aaliyah El each contributed 12 points apiece for the Lions.
For the game, Anderson forced 25 turnovers, blocked six shots and recorded 13 steals.
Anderson will remain on the road to face SAC opponent Limestone on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 pm.
