NEWBERRY - The Newberry College women's basketball team used the final game of its three-game home stand to skate past Voorhees and earn their fifth win of the season on Tuesday night. Newberry (5-1) started off shakily, but found its composure and cruised to a 66-35 victory.
“You have to give credit to Voorhees for the way they played,” said John Lesaine. “They had a great game plan that didn't allow us to get the ball down to the post. We really had to make some adjustments to counter their attack.”
In the early going, both teams struggled to get into a groove offensively. The teams sloppily exchanged possessions for the opening minutes, resulting in several turnovers and missed looks. Neither team scored until Helen McKinney (Owensboro, Ky.) knocked down a three-point shot nearly three minutes into the game. The offensive woes continued from both sides as neither team managed another basket until seven minutes into the first half when the score was still 3-0 Newberry.
Voorhees briefly pulled out to a lead, but Newberry found its stride and began converting on their offensive opportunities. The Lady Tigers hung with Newberry, tying the score twice and exchanging the lead four times in the opening period.
The Lady Tigers cut Newberry's lead to one point with just over five minutes left in the half. Moments later, a basket by Briana Johnson (Irmo, S.C.) off of a hard-fought offensive rebound sprung Newberry out to a 10-1 run to finish the half up 29-19.
The scarlet and gray successfully rolled the momentum from their late surge into the second half. Over the first ten minutes of the second half, Newberry used a 19-5 run to extend their lead to twenty points and beyond. Newberry got the lead to as large as 34 points and coasted for the remaining minutes of the game.
“Our second half was very good, especially how we hit the boards and didn't allow them multiple chances or second chance points,” said Lesaine.
McKinney led all Newberry scorers with 22 points, her season high but already her third 20-point game of the young season. Leanne Watson (Stone Mountain, Ga.) harassed the Tigers' rebounders and proved her ability down low. She ended her night with 15 rebounds, 3 steals and one electrifying block. With the help of Watson, Newberry out-rebounded the Tigers 49-21 and scored 23 points off of second-chance opportunities.
Anita Bulcher (Russia, Ohio) managed her third double-double in as many games with 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Newberry will open its conference play with a Friday-evening game at Wingate. The teams split in last season's series with each team coming out victorious on their home court. Newberry will look to end that streak with a pull away with a road victory. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
“Now we have to move past this one and get ready for our conference opener at Wingate. They have a great team and we're going to have to correct some mistakes to be ready for Friday,” said Lesaine.
