ANDERSON, S.C. - Anderson senior guard Alissa Diaz poured in a game-high 26 points to lead the Anderson women's basketball team past Tusculum, 68-49, in South Atlantic Conference play Wednesday night at the Abney Athletic Center.
With the win, Anderson improved to 16-7 overall and 10-3 in the conference, while claiming sole possession of first place in the league with its fifth consecutive home victory. The Trojans snapped a two-game skid and claimed the season series, earning their third consecutive win past Tusculum (13-8, 7-6 SAC). The Pioneers had their win streak snapped at three.
Diaz was 8-of-14 from the field and a perfect 10-of-10 from the
charity stripe, while also handing out a game-high four assists and
recording two steals and a pair of blocked shots.
Senior forward Breonda Shannon pulled down a team-high seven
rebounds for the Trojans.
Senior guard April McCann paced the Pioneers with 16 points and a game-high nine rebounds, with Breaira Barksdale adding 10 points.
The contest featured seven early lead changes and six ties - the final coming at 22-22 with 4:01 remaining in the opening half - before the Trojans closed the half with a 12-2 run to take a 34-24 cushion at the break.
The Trojans built the lead to as many as 21 points at 51-30 on a pair of free throws by sophomore guard Sierra Simpson midway through the second half and again on a jumper from sophomore guard Lesley Woods with 8:28 to play. The Pioneers got as close as 62-49 following two free throws by Barksdale with less than two minutes on the clock, but Anderson was six-for-six from the line down the stretch to seal the win.
The Trojans welcome Lincoln Memorial to the Abney Center on
Saturday, when Anderson will "Play4Kay" and also recognize its four
seniors. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. at the Abney Center. The
Trojans defeated LMU, 70-56, on the road earlier this season.
