ANDERSON, S.C. –Playing inside an electric Abney Athletic Center on Senior Day, the Anderson University women's basketball team (21-7, 13-7 SAC) avenged an early South Atlantic Conference loss at Tusculum (3-24, 1-19 SAC), 97-74, to close out regular season play on Saturday afternoon.
"What a way to finish the regular season with a win for the senior," stated head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "Thank you Tex, Nelly and Maggie."
"Great team win with Diamond leading the charge and Zee floating close to another triple-double," said Barbaree.
"Tusculum shot lights out in the first half and played hard all game," emphasized Barbaree. "With that said, I liked how we responded in the third quarter. It's tournament time now and we will begin preparing tomorrow."
"Thank you to all the home fans all season and helping us to a great home record!" added Barbaree.
Not to be overshadowed by great basketball being played by both teams, the Trojan Family had the privilege of honoring an unwavering supporter of Anderson Athletics. Dr. Shirley Jacks taught at AU for 44 years and has supported the Black and Gold relentlessly. In 2007, the Dr. Shirley Jacks Academic for Excellence Award was implemented to help commemorate her passion for both academics and athletics. This prestigious award recognizes the Athletic Team that earns the highest GPA each semester.
Junior Diamond McDowell scored a career-high 40 points on 18-of-25 shooting. McDowell also ripped down 13 rebounds to earn her 14th double-double of the season.
Senior Nelly Wilson impressive stat-line consisted of 16 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocked shots. Senior Zamiya Passmore nearly recorded a triple-double scoring 12 points, dishing out 11 assists and chasing down eight rebounds. Graduate Brittney Stafford dropped in 10 points while grabbing nine rebounds in the winning effort.
Tusculum placed four players in double-figure scoring with Faith Silva scoring 15 points. Ni'kiah Chersterfield recorded a double-double netting 14 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Delana DeBusk and Artasia Cole each chipped in 10 points apiece.
Third quarter play for the Trojans proved to be the difference with the Black and Gold outscoring the Pioneers, 29-14, in the third stanza. AU's McDowell scored 15 of her 40 points during this stretch.
For the game, Anderson outrebounded Tusculum, 55-33, and forced 19 turnovers. The Black and Gold recorded 11 steals on the afternoon.
Anderson secured the No. 6 seed and will face off with No. 3 seeded Carson-Newman in the first round of the SAC Tournament on Wednesday. Tip-Off in Rock Hill, S.C. is slated for 2:30 pm.
