SALISBURY, N.C. – No. 6 Anderson University women's basketball fell to No. 2 Carson-Newman, 74-54, in the semifinal round of the NCAA Southeast Regional on Saturday afternoon at Goodman Gym.
"Not how we wanted to end our season, but I can't say enough how proud I am of this team and the things that they accomplished this season," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "They worked hard all year and made it to the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament."
"I want to now thank my seniors, Maggie, Nelly and Tex who were our backbone for several years and I can't say enough to what they meant to our program and our university.," explained Barbaree. "I'm even more proud of the women that they have become and look forward to seeing them excel in life."
"As for the game, we fought hard but unfortunately the shots weren't falling for us tonight like they did yesterday, especially the second quarter," explained Barbaree. "That got us behind and made it a tough grind to recover. We fought though and that's all I could ask for."
"We graduate some great seniors and leaders, but we have great team returning as well," added Barbaree. "We had a chance to experience this and we look forward to returning."
A poor second quarter of play saw the Trojans fall behind by seven heading into halftime. Anderson continued to pursue hard, however the Eagles answered any push the Black and Gold could muster.
Carson-Newman won the third quarter, 14-11, and finally pulled away in the fourth stanza to win the final 10 minutes, 23-13.
Anderson placed three players in double-digit scoring with junior Diamond McDowell dropping in a team-high 17 points. McDowell added 11 rebounds to record her 17th double-double of the season. Senior Zamiya Passmore netted 15 points, grabbed six rebounds and dished out five assists. Sophomore Ashlyn Sheridan chipped in 10 points while grabbing seven rebounds.
Carson-Newman's Braelyn Wykle scored a game-high 31 points for the Eagles. Wykle drained 5-of-8 three-points baskets while going 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Campbell Penland and Makayla Alvey netted 15 and 12 points, respectively.
The Eagles move on to the Southeast Regional finals and will face No. 5 Georgia Southwestern on Monday.
