Newberry, S.C. – Paced by graduate student Shameka McNeill's career-high 24 points, the Anderson University (4-2, 4-0 SAC) women's basketball team defeated South Atlantic Conference opponent Newberry (1-5, 1-3 SAC), 72-60, on Saturday afternoon at Eleazer Arena.
"Excited to get a road win… As you know, those never come easy in this conference," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree.
"I thought we did a great job getting on the offensive boards in key situations, as well as getting to the free throw line on several occasions," explained Barbaree. "When the shots aren't fallen those are crucial to pulling out a victory."
AU's McNeill added five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one blocked shot to go along with her 24 point total. Senior Britney Bailey recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes of action. Junior Jalyn Spurlin chipped in 12 points, while being credited with a career-high five steals. Freshman Diamond McDowell was just one point shy of reaching her third straight double-double scoring nine points and ripping down 10 rebounds for the Trojans. Senior Taylor Hair swatted away a career-high six blocked shots. Hair also pulled down six rebounds and dished out two assists.
Newberry placed four Wolves in double-digits with Holly Davies and Talia Roberts sharing team high honors with 12 points apiece. The Wolves Mylaysia Gates pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds.
The Black and Gold won the opening quarter, 21-14, while the Wolves claimed the second stanza, 16-11, to cut the Trojan lead to two points heading into halftime.
Anderson used a Wolves four minute scoring drought to begin the third quarter to push its lead to nine. AU held off any run by the Wolves, carrying an 11-point lead into the final period.
Newberry pulled within five points with six minutes remaining, but could not get any closer. AU outscored the Wolves 16-9 over the final six minutes. The 72 Trojan points was a season high in scoring.
Anderson remains on the road and will travel to South Atlantic Conference opponent Mars Hill on Wednesday. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
