Box Score
HIGH POINT, NC— Winthrop couldn't overcome a 13-point halftime deficit as it fell 59-44 to third-seeded Gardner-Webb, Saturday evening at the Millis Center in the semifinals of the Advance Auto Parts Big South Conference Tournament.
Gardner-Webb (22-10), which makes its third straight appearance in the championship game, used a 12-2 run to end the first half and turn a three-point game into a 31-18 lead at the half.
Winthrop tried to fight its way back into the game in the second half and had several opportunities, but just couldn't get the offense going.
The Lady Eagles (13-18) fell behind by 18 points with 15:55 to go in the game, but inched its way back and trailed by just 10 points with 5:25 to go after a basket inside by TaQuoia Hammick.
Winthrop got the stop defensively it needed on the next possession, but a turnover proved costly as LaTroya Pope got the steal that led to a lay-up on the other end by Dominique Hudson for a 12-point advantage.
The Runnin' Bulldogs took advantage of the 18 turnovers by Winthrop, converting them into 25 points.
“We just missed so many shots and they got some run outs on us,” said Winthrop head coach Bud Childers. “Jasmine Dale hit a couple of threes to give them separation. I like the way we competed in the first half, if we could have just made some shots. I want to congratulate Rick (Reeves) and his team. They have a great core. It will be a heck of a game tomorrow.”
Dequesha McClanahan finished the game 3-for-17 from the field and Lacey Lyons was 1-for-10 as many shots went in and out for the Lady Eagles.
“I thought our kids battled hard,” said Childers. “We had a lot of good looks today and just couldn't get any to go in. Our kids battled. It's been a very tough, rough week for us. I've enjoyed coaching at Winthrop. I've enjoyed working with the folks in the Big South. I hope things continue to grow.”
Dominique Hudson and Monique Hudson combined for 25 points on 9-for-20 shooting while Sandra Vaikute had a strong game inside on 7-for-9 shooting and 17 points.
This was the fifth appearance in the semifinals over the past six seasons for Winthrop.
Hammick led the way for Winthrop with a double-double for the second straight game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. McClanahan finished with 12 points and Kaitlyn Rubino added seven points and 11 rebounds.
Winthrop finished the game shooting 26 percent from the field while Gardner-Webb shot 43 percent.
