Charlotte, N.C. – The Anderson University women's basketball team (9-7, 9-3 SAC) enjoyed its largest scoring output on the season, defeating South Atlantic Conference member Queens (4-8, 3-8 SAC) for the 16th straight time, 102-80, on Wednesday evening at the Levine Center.
"It was nice to see us have the solid night offensively that we have been looking for all season," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I thought defensively we had a let down in spurts, but we did make up for it on the other end. Also, you have to give credit to Kalaya Hall, she had a great shooting night."
"We had a goal to get the ball in to post with them missing some size and I was proud of us accomplishing that with 56 points in the paint," emphasized Barbaree. "I still think we can play better and this was game 16 and we have not had a game yet this year with all our players available to dress out, due to injuries or COVID. I am hopeful that will happen soon."
Anderson's Shameka McNeill scored a career-high 32 points and grabbed a career-high 11 rebounds. McNeill also swiped five steal which equals her career-high. Senior Taylor Hair poured in 19 points, while grabbing eight rebounds with junior Nelliah Wilson scoring a career-high 18 points going 7-of-7 from the field and 4-of-4 from the foul line. Freshman Diamond McDowell equaled her career-high of 15 points in 26 minutes of action. McDowell also ripped down eight rebounds. Transfer junior Brittney Stafford dished out a career-high six assists with the Trojans just two shy of its season team best with 20 assists.
Queens placed three players in double-digit scoring with guard Kalaya Hall pouring in 41 points, including 6-of-11 baskets from behind the arc. Finley Lefevers and Taylor Stevens scored 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Equaling its best shooting percentage of the season, 53.2 percent, the Black and Gold also outrebounded the Royals 52-29.
Anderson outscored Queens in each quarter, scoring no less than 22 points in each frame. However, the Royals kept the score close, using a three and a half minute third quarter scoring drought by the Trojans to tie the game at 63 apiece.
AU Wilson's made jumper at the 2:15 mark in the third quarter, began a 14-0 run for Anderson eventually turning into a 23 point lead with three minutes to go in the game. AU maintained its lead defeating the Royals for the 16th straight time, 102-80.
Anderson returns to action on Saturday when it hosts conference leader Wingate. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm.
