Anderson, S.C. –After trailing by five-points going into intermission, the Anderson University (2-2, 2-0 SAC) women's basketball team stepped up the defensive effort  allowing UVA Wise (0-4, 0-2 SAC) to score only 10 second half points. The Trojans picked up its second win in a row defeating the Cavaliers, 61-40, on Saturday afternoon at the Abney Athletic Center.

"Great to win the first game at home!," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We definitely need to clean up some things, but I couldn't be any prouder of how we stepped up defensively in the second half."

The Trojans placed three players in double-digit scoring, with freshman Diamond McDowell scoring a career high 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting. McDowell also ripped down a career high 14 rebounds, recording her first career double-double. Juniors Jalyn Spurlin and Nelliah Wilson dropped in 12 points with Wilson grabbing eight rebounds. Senior Britney Bailey had another impressive game on the glass, hauling in a game-high 15 rebounds, while chipping in seven points. Every available player for the Black and Gold scored at least two-points and played at least 11 minutes.

"Every player scored again tonight and that's always a great thing," emphasized Barbaree.

UVA Wise was led by guard Nia Vanzant, scoring 12 points for the Cavaliers. Vanzant was also credited with four rebounds and three steals on the afternoon.

Anderson led, 16-14, after one period of action, while UVA Wise took advantage eight Trojans turnovers to take a 30-25 lead into halftime.

Following an old fashion three-point play by McDowell to regain the lead in the third quarter with 3:51 remaining, the Trojans never looked back and continued to increase their defensive effort. UVA Wise went scoreless for 10 just over minutes of action, with AU going on a 25-0 run over that span to put the game away.

"Not everything will show up on the stat sheet but we certainly had some players step up in important ways," added Barbaree. "Looking forward to doing it again on Tuesday!"

Anderson will continue its South Atlantic Conference action, when it host Queens on Tuesday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.