NEWBERRY - In its last game before the holiday break, the Newberry College women's basketball team defeated Anderson in non-conference action Saturday afternoon. Newberry (8-2) dominated the second half, outscoring Anderson (3-4) 42-28 in the period en route to a 76-57 victory.
The scarlet and gray took a moment to get warmed up, but finally found ways to convert from the field. The Trojans weathered Newberry's attack; however, and matched baskets with Newberry to stay in the game. The first half was tied six times and the teams exchanged the lead twice.
Anita Bulcher's (Russia, Ohio) back-to-back fast-break layups put the scarlet and gray ahead 27-18 and gave Newberry its largest lead of the half with four minutes left in the period. Bulcher had eight points at the break.
The Trojans managed a few late baskets to cut Newberry's lead to 34-29 at the half.
Helen McKinney (Owensboro, Ky.) found her stroke from three-point range and shot 66.6% (4-6) on three-point attempts in the first half. She led all scorers with 12 points at the break. Newberry shot 55.6% (5-9) on three point attempts as a team in the first half.
Immediately after the break, the scarlet and gray dominated the beginning of the second half in spectacular fashion. Newberry shut down the Trojans' offense and opened an 18-2 run over the first 10 minutes of the second half.
Newberry extended its lead to 28 before the Trojans' full-court press translated several Newberry turnovers into quick points. The Trojans managed six points in 30 seconds, but Newberry thwarted any comeback efforts with quality possessions and sound free-throw shooting.
Newberry shot 81.0% (17-21) from the free-throw line in the game, which is up from its 69.9% average on the year. Newberry went 26-61 (42.6%) from the field on the afternoon.
McKinney and Bulcher, Newberry's leading and second-leading scorers this season, led the team yet again with 20 points apiece. Bulcher ended the day with her seventh double-double of the season with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Jessica Bearzatto (Melbourne, Australia) also found herself in double digits with 10 points. She was a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line and had three assists as well.
The win improved Newberry's record to 4-6 against the Trojans all-time.
Newberry is off next week for the holidays but will return to action on December 29, to face off against the Division I Davidson Wildcats.
