JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The Newberry College women's basketball team opened 2010 with its second South Atlantic Conference game of the season. Newberry (8-4, 1-1 SAC) played well, but couldn't minimize its turnovers en route to an 86-73 loss to Carson-Newman (12-0, 2-0 SAC).

The Lady Eagles used a highly effective full-court press for most of the first half. The press allowed Carson-Newman to create turnovers and turn them into quick points at the other end. The Lady Eagles used that strategy to open the game on an 11-2 run.

After finding its composure, Newberry battled back into the game with fine efforts out of Helen McKinney (Owensboro, Ky.) and Leanne Watson (Stone Mountain, Ga.). The scarlet and gray pulled within a basket but never tied the score in the opening period. Newberry managed just seven points in the final five minutes and ended the half down 41-30.

McKinney led all scorers at the break with 15 points. Watson managed seven points and five rebounds in the first half.

The Lady Eagles menaced the scarlet and gray with the same tactics in the second half. Newberry failed to effectively break the press and surrendered several quick scoring runs as a result. The Lady Eagles managed 23 points off of Newberry turnovers.

Newberry trailed by as many as 21 before managing a run of their own which cut the lead down to single digits again. However, that was as close as they'd come as the Lady Eagles converted on their attempts down the stretch to put the game out of reach.

McKinney ended the day ahead of all scorers with 32 points, her career high. Watson managed a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

Newberry outrebounded Carson-Newman 44-38 in the game but shot only 37.5% (24-64) from the field. The Lady Eagles shot 47.8% (32-67) from the field.

Newberry returns home to face off against Mars Hill in another SAC competition on Wednesday, January 6. The action is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in Eleazer Arena.