Due West, SC- Erskine women’s basketball fell to Conference Carolinas rival Anderson University Tuesday evening 60-61. With the loss, the Fleet slip to 7-10 overall and 6-7 among conference opponents while the Trojans improve to 10-8 and 9-4.
The first half was evenly contested as each team battled for control. The lead changed hands 9 times during the first period, but Anderson found themselves on top going into the break 27-25.
The visiting Trojans jumped out to a quick lead during the second period as they went on a 20-10 run to build their biggest lead of the game (47-35) by the 12:20 mark. Anderson guard Amanda Parris led the charge during this 8 minute stretch by going 3/3 from three-point land. Parris hit 4/5 from behind the arc for 12 points on the game.
Although down 12, the Fleet did not roll over. Instead, Erskine began a strong drive of their own led by point guard Porsha Morgan. Morgan began to take the game into her own hands as she put up 10 points, pulled down 3 rebounds, and picked up 3 steals over the next 11 minutes of play to bring the Fleet charging back to within one point (58-59) with 1:00 left on the clock. Anderson responded with a quick field goal, but Morgan rapidly brought the ball back down the court and drew a foul. Morgan then drained both free-throws to bring the score to 60-61 with only 12 seconds left.
Now with possession, the Trojans in bounded the ball and were quickly fouled by the Fleet. Anderson’s Alexa Neal missed the front end of her one-and-one and the Fleet quickly pushed the ball down the court and sent up a prayer from 25 feet which rimmed out, giving the Trojans the 61-60 victory.
Erskine’s Morgan led all scorers with 19 points. She also picked up 6 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Senior forward Mary Ann Langford also had a strong game for the Fleet as she recorded 14 points and pulled down 2 rebounds and gathered 2 steals.
Anderson had three ladies in double figures. Ashley Abed led the way with 16 points and 8 rebounds while Maci Siniard added 14 points to the winning cause and Parris tallied 12 of her own.
The Fleet were out-rebounded 36-28 and uncharacteristically out-scored from behind the arc 27-6. Erskine struggled to connect from the field as they only hit 40% from field goal range including 18% from three-point land.
The Fleet will return to action this Saturday as they host Barton College. Tip off is set for 5:30 PM.