SMC Triumphs Over Australian Possums

SPARTANBURG, SC- The SMC Lady Pioneers basketball team ended their 23-day holiday break Wednesday night with a 75-50 win over the HSE Possums, of Australia.

After a slow start, the Pioneers found their pace at the 10 minute mark – but were down 29-25 at the half.

Eleven minutes into the second half, the Lady Pioneers' pressure started to pay off against the Possums.The Lady Pioneers went on a 17-0 run to a commanding 58-41 lead at 7:39 left in the game.

"The first half was rough for us because we failed to get back in transition and we missed too many easy shots. However, the effort was there, so we just had to make a couple minor adjustments on defense and do a better job of finishing," says SMC coach Melissa Nafzger.

The Pioneers' talent on defense and offense held the Possums and pushed SMC to a 75-50 victory.

"The second half we finally started putting all the puzzle pieces together both on the offensive and defensive end.  Kendra Brown's ability to get into the paint and initiate are fast break was huge for us tonight because she was able to get her teammates the ball in successful positions. Then, Shaniqua Whitley hitting two big three's in a row for us gave our team even more confidence considering we were not making our shots in the first half," adds Nafzger.

Schatavia Gray (Jonesboro, GA / Lovejoy HS) was the overall leading scorer and leading rebounder posting a double-double with 24 points and 20 rebounds.

"Schatavia is the work horse of our team; she does all the dirty work that needs to be done, day in and day out. She was vital part of tonight's win. Overall, it was a great team effort, but we are not satisfied and we will continue to strive to get better every day," says Nafzger.

The Lady Pioneers are on the road Saturday against Walters State College at 7 PM in Morristown, TN.

Spartanburg Methodist College has 14 intercollegiate teams that compete in Region X of the National Junior College Athletic Association, which includes colleges in the Carolinas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The College is in its 99th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment.  More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.

For more information, contact sports information director Susie Williams at (864) or 587-4008 or (864) 285-7516.