Pioneers Stay Unbeaten with 66-58 Road Win at Georgia Gwinnett

Lawrenceville, Ga. – A three-point play by Kamya Hatten with 3:34 remaining sparked a stretch of seven straight points that put visiting Spartanburg Methodist College ahead for good, as the Pioneers earned a 66-58 win over previously unbeaten Georgia Gwinnett College on Thursday night.

The Pioneers (3-0) entered the fourth quarter tied at 43 and outscored the host Grizzlies 23-15 over the final 10 minutes to secure the victory. Destiny Middleton led SMC with 19 points, while Halle Traylor added 14. Hatten nearly recorded a double-double, finishing with nine points and 10 rebounds.

Georgia Gwinnett (2-1) was led by Maddie Presha's 17 points and eight rebounds, while Christen Collins added 10 points.

Two key factors in the win for SMC were its perimeter shooting and work on the offensive glass. The Pioneers made 8-of-22 from three-point range, while the Grizzlies managed just 2-of-22. SMC also held a 20-9 edge in second-chance points.

"I'm really proud of how this group handled adversity and met the moment," said SMC head coach Reid Walling. "We didn't back down, and our toughness showed late. We're excited to get back home to Bridges Arena next week and play in front of our fans."

Next up, Walling and the Pioneers host their home opener on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 5:30 p.m. against Voorhees. SMC students will have a chance to win $1,000 by making a half-court shot at halftime.

HIGHLIGHTS - VIdeo courtesy of Georgia Gwinnett College