WINGATE, N.C – Unable to crack the Bulldog's defensive strategy, No. 17 Anderson University women's basketball was defeated by South Atlantic Conference foe, 59-56, on Wednesday evening at Cuddy Arena.
With the setback, the Trojans slip to 19-4 overall and 14-3 in SAC play, while the Bulldogs improve to 14-10 overall and 8-9 in conference action.
Senior Madison Baggett scored a team-high 14 points while grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out seven assists. Baggett became Anderson's all-time assist leader with the sixth of seven assits on the night. She broke former Trojan standout Deanna Thompson (2001-05) career total of 469. Junior Taylor Hair netted 10 points and ripped down eight rebounds. Senior Alexy Mollenhauer grabbed a career-high 20 rebounds and scored seven points on 2-of-4 from the field. Mollenhauer was the primary focus of Wingate's defensive strategy with the Bulldogs double teaming the SAC's leading scorer the entire game.
Wingate's Teliyah Jeter's career night of 20 points and 19 rebounds inspired the Bulldogs effort to upend the Trojans. WU's Hannah Clark and Elana Ingram chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Wingate won the opening quarter, 16-11. However, the Black and Gold opened up the scoring in the second period with quick crisp passes which made it difficult for the Bulldogs to guard the four on three advantage they were giving Anderson. AU capitalized and outscored the Bulldogs, 26-12, in the second stanza.
Despite the Trojans halftime lead, the Bulldogs remained patient and did not waver from their defensive plan. Anderson shot just 4-of-15 in the third quarter, but solid defense of their own held Wingate to just a, 12-10, Bulldog advantage in the period.
Leading by seven heading into the final 10 minutes of action, Wingate took advantage of a nearly five minute scoring drought by AU to run off eight straight points to take the lead for the first time since early in the second quarter.
Freshman Jalyn Spurlin made jumper with 5:12 remaining broke the scoring drought putting the Trojans up, 49-48. After a series of free throws by both sides, Wingate pulled ahead 53-51, with 2:47 remaining.
AU's Mollenhauer used a slither of daylight to drill a long –range three-point basket to push the Black and Gold ahead 54-53 with 2:12 to go. Back to back buckets by WU's Jeter and Ingram put the Bulldogs in the driver's seat, 57-54, with less than a minute remaining.
Following an offensive rebound by Mollenhauer, AU's Hair was fouled with 41 seconds left. Hair stepped up and sunk the pair of free throws to pull the Trojans within one, 57-56.
Wingate's Jeter capped off her career night with a made jump shot with 14 seconds remaining to extend the lead to, 59-56, Anderson's last second attempt was off the mark.
"Disappointed to drop a game on the road, but it's always a great game when these two teams meet", explained head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We gave up too many offensive rebounds and had some unforced turnovers down the stretch that prove to be crucial. That means we have to get back to work tomorrow and get ready for the next one."
Anderson returns home to host SAC opponent Tusculum on Saturday. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. in the friendly confines of the Abney Athletic Center.
