ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson women's basketball (14-3, 6-3 SAC) picked up its defensive intensity to help fuel them to a comeback win over top-ranked Lenoir-Rhyne (13-5, 8-2 SAC), 77-64, on Wednesday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.
"Big win for our Ladies tonight, stated head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "Really proud of their heart and effort!"
"LR is a great team with great players that are well coached," said Barbaree. "It's always a battle with them and they've gotten us a lot recently. Tonight, it was nice to get one back and earn another conference win."
"Defensively, the second half we stood strong and did a great job controlling the boards, explained Barbaree. "While on offense, we didn't settle for long shots and got to rim."
"We need to keep that mindset moving, as we have another tough one this Saturday," added Barbaree.
Lenoir-Rhyne controlled the tempo during the first half of play, taking a nine-point advantage into the half, 40-31. The Trojans ramped up its defensive effort which eventually helped erase a 13-point deficit in the third quarter of play.
The Trojans defensive play led to some great run outs and easy buckets to help them build a cushion in the fourth stanza. Anderson outscored the Bears 46-24 in the second half to claim the SAC win, AU's third in a row.
Junior Diamond McDowell scored a team-high 21 points while pulling down 14 rebounds to record her ninth double-double of the season. McDowell also dished out three assists and was credited with four blocked shots. Sophomore Ashlyn Sheridan netted 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while senior Nelliah Wilson chipped in 12 points and ripped down 13 rebounds to record her eighth double-double of the year. Senior Zamiya Passmore contributed 12 points while dishing out five assists.
Lenoir-Rhyne's Blaikley Crooks scored a game-high 23 points for the Bears while Mikeba Jones and Emily Harmon chipped in 15 and 12 points, respectively.
Anderson hits the road to face off with SAC foe Lincoln Memorial on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
