ANDERSON, S.C. - Down at halftime, Anderson University women's basketball stormed back, as freshman Alexis Dillard led the charge with 13 points and nine rebounds to pace the Trojans to a 70-60 win over Peach Belt Conference power USC Aiken Monday evening at the Abney Athletic Center.
With the comeback victory, Anderson is now winners of four straight and avenge a season-opening loss to the Pacers on the opening day of the Holley Tractor/Crescent Automotive Conference Challenge on Nov. 8. The 10-point win also snaps a five game losing streak to USC Aiken and gives AU its first win over the Pacers in program history.
Dillard, who set her career-high in points after the first half with 10, polished off the game with 13, which followed junior Sierra Simpson, who tied her career-high with 16 to lead the Trojans. Junior Jasmine Franklin matched Dillard's output with 13, while classmate Lesley Woods added 11. While being a rebound short of her first collegiate double-double, Dillard also added four blocks and a steal.
Despite getting off to fast starts in its last two games, it took some time for AU to find its rhythm, falling behind early by six in the opening five minutes. Sophomore guard Tiffany Addison put the Pacers ahead with back-to-back three pointers to give USC Aiken a six point advantage.
The Trojans tried to inch their way back in the first half, as they drew the score even at the 27-27 mark with a Jennifer Monroe jumper, but the Pacers were too much in the final four minutes of the half, taking a 34-31 lead into halftime. The score line marked the first time all season AU has trailed after the first 20 minutes.
After the Pacers took a 39-33 lead early in the final half, the Anderson offense came alive as it started an 18-0 run, guided by seven Pacer fouls in the opening four minutes. Franklin took full advantage of the opportunity, sinking 4-of-5 foul shots in the opening eight minutes of the half. The junior would eventually finish the game 7-of-10 from the stripe, as the team shot 67.6% from the line on the night.
AU continued on the attack, taking its biggest lead of the game of 13 when freshman Heather Jankowy sank a free throw at the 5:39 mark.
USC Aiken was unable to mount a comeback, as the Pacers would get as close as nine in the final 1:39, but free throws by Dillard and Franklin would put the game out of reach, handing the Trojans their 10th straight win at the Abney Center, dating back to last season.
"I was so proud of the way we responded and guarded in the second half," head coach Jimmy Garrity said. "We did a great job attacking the rim and making plays down the stretch. I'm really happy for our players because this is a great win against a really good and well-coached USC Aiken team."
Junior guard Mackenzie Reese led USC Aiken with a game-high 22 points, coming off an 18-point performance in the season opener. AU was able to contain senior forward Porsha Martin, who entered this evening's game averaging 14.7 points, by holding her to just seven points.
Jankowy would eventually set a new career-high with seven points on the night, while Monroe tallied six points and four rebounds on the night.
Anderson now shifts its focus to its fourth game in eight days, as it opens South Atlantic Conference play on Wednesday against Brevard. Tipoff from the Abney Center is set for 6 p.m.
