Box Score
ASHEVILLE, NC— Winthrop overcame a 15-point first half deficit as it held UNC Asheville to 23 percent shooting in the second half in a 71-64 victory, Saturday afternoon in Big South Conference women's basketball action.
The win improves the Lady Eagles to 9-8 overall and 3-2 in the Big South while Asheville falls to 8-9 overall and 1-5 in the league. It's also the fifth straight time Winthrop has defeated Asheville and the third straight win at the Justice Center.
After trailing by 15 points in the first half and eight points at the half, Winthrop chipped away at the lead and shooting 61 percent from the floor in the second half helped with the rally. The two teams were tied at 57-57 with 3:52 remaining after two Kendall Shepard free throws coming out of a media timeout. Kaitlyn Rubino knocked down two free throws on the other end to go ahead 59-57 and put Winthrop in the lead for good.
After forcing a turnover on the Bulldogs next possession, Dequesha McClanahan scored on a lay-up for a four-point advantage. Winthrop extended its lead to seven points with tough defense and making free throws, but Asheville tried to get back in as Grace Blaylock made a very deep three off an offensive rebound and Breaira Barksdale made a runner in the lane to cut the lead to three points with 38 seconds left, but Winthrop's Lacey Lyons knocked down her free throws to seal the win for Winthrop.
In addition to holding Asheville to 23 percent shooting in the second half, Winthrop forced 12 second half turnovers and managing 13 points off the miscues. After opening the game hitting nine of its first 11 shots, Winthrop held the Bulldogs to 11-for-46 (24 percent) from the field the rest of the way.
The Lady Eagles started off the second half by closing the gap to four points as TaQuoia Hammick scored on a put back. McClanahan made it a one point game at 48-47 after a jumper in the lane and the Lady Eagles forced a turnover and a 12-foot jumper on the other end by Mary Hathaway put Winthrop in front 49-48. Hathaway scored six straight points in the second half for Winthrop.
Asheville came right back with a Barksdale jumper and went back in front by three points after two Kelli Riles free throws.
Asheville scored a quick five points to open the game and led 7-3 at the 18:44 mark after a jumper by Shepard. Winthrop fought back to make it a two point deficit after Tiffany Charles made it all the way to the basket for an easy lay-in. At that point the Bulldogs got hot from long range and went on an 18-5 run as Blaylock started it off with a three from deep and that was followed by a Shepard triple for a 19-10 lead. Shepard scored three more points before Barksdale came off the bench to hit a three that was followed by a three straight away by Lindsey Thompson for a 30-15 lead.
Winthrop didn't fold as it picked up the pace defensively and worked its way back into the game. After opening the game 10-for-17 from the field, the Lady Eagles held Asheville to just 5-for-18 (28 percent) from the field the rest of the half and clawed its way back to within four points with just over 30 seconds remaining.
The lead was extended back to eight points at the break, 43-35, after Barksdale hit two free throws and the Lady Eagles turned the ball over on the inbound pass that led to a wide open lay up with three seconds left by Montgomery.
Despite falling behind 15 points and opening the game 5-for-15, Winthrop finished the half 13-for-33 (39 percent). Asheville was 15-for-35 (43 percent) and 5-for-12 from behind the arc. The Bulldogs were also 8-for-9 from the foul line, which equaled the difference at the half. The 43 points were the most given up in the first half by Winthrop all season.
McClanahan tied her career-high with 26 points as she was 9-for-15 from the field and 7-for-12 from the foul line. The 26 points are her best in Big South games as she also dished out eight assists and had three steals. Rubino finished with 15 points and four rebounds while Hathaway had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the second double-double of her career.
Shepard finished with a team-high 20 points and Montgomery added 14 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and three steals. Barksdale finished with 15 points and four assists.
Winthrop will remain on the road as it takes on High Point, Monday evening at 7 p.m. in the Millis Center.
