Anderson, S.C. – Trailing by as many as 13 points in the final quarter, the Anderson University women's basketball team (9-8, 9-4 SAC) came up just short dropping a five-point decision to undefeated South Atlantic Conference opponent Wingate (14-1, 12-0 SAC), 70-65, on Saturday afternoon at the Abney Athletic Center.  

"I thought we played hard for two of the four quarters, but you have to play all four to win against a top team," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "I have to draw up better plays at the end of the game and we have to execute them in order to beat a top team. We will get back at it on Monday and try to start another winning streak."

Anderson's Shameka McNeill tied game-high honors scoring 21 points for the Trojans. Graduate Samantha Michel joined McNeill in double-digit scoring with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field and 2-of-2 from the line. Freshman Diamond McDowell came off the bench to pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds, while chipping in six points.

Wingate placed three players in double-digit scoring with forward Bryanna Troutman scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Hannah Clark netted 16 points and Peyton Davis chipped in 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. WU's Haleigh Brandon ripped down a game-high 14 rebounds for the Bulldogs.

After tying the first period of action at 22 apiece, the Bulldogs eventually carried a seven point lead into halftime. Wingate was able to increase its lead to 13 after three quarters of action.

With Wingate leading by 13 with 5:36 remaining in the fourth period and seemingly in control, Anderson turned up its defensive pressure getting steals from Michel and McNeill, as well as two blocked shots from senior Taylor Hair to pull the Black and Gold within three points, 66-63, with 1:56 to go. Unfortunately for Anderson, Wingate made 4-of-4 foul shots down the stretch hold off the Trojans, 70-65.

Anderson returns to action on Wednesday when it hosts Mars Hill. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.