SAVANNAH, GA. – Slow start hampers Anderson University (4-4) women's basketball against nonconference opponent Savannah State (5-0) dropping the first quarter of action, 22-8, and eventually the game on, 74-63 Saturday afternoon at The Tiger Center.
"Flat start hurt us," explained head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "We took good shots, but they were not falling. When that happens our defense must step up. After that I thought we settled in and made some positive plays."
"We're definitely learning early how tough road games are going to be," said Barbaree. Our hope is that it translates into a win this Wednesday with our conference opener."
After Savannah State built a 14-point advantage after one period of action, the Trojans outscored the Tigers, 16-14 in the second quarter to cut the lead to 12 at the half.
Despite shooting 50% from the field in the second half, the Black and Gold was unable to erase the first quarter scoring difference. The Tigers enjoyed their largest lead of the contest at 19 with 3:46 remaining in the game. Anderson continued to battle to the end, before running out of time to complete a comeback, falling 74-63.
The Black and Gold placed two players in double-figure scoring with freshman Ashlyn Sheridan recording her first career double-double. Sheridan scored a team-high 11 points and ripped down 12 rebounds. Sophomore Diamond McDowell netted 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Seniors Nelliah Wilson and Britney Bailey also grabbed seven rebounds, helping the Trojans outrebound the Tigers, 46-42
Savannah State placed three players in double-digit scoring with Nyla Allen scoring a game-high 27 points. Allen also tallied four rebounds and four steals on the afternoon. Bria Gibbs netted 20 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Amari Heard chipped in 16 rebounds for the Tigers.
Anderson will finish up its grueling five-game road swing on Wednesday when it opens South Atlantic Conference play at Newberry. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.
