Second-Quarter Surge Lifts SMC Past Bluefield in AAC

Spartanburg Methodist College erased a two-point first-quarter deficit and outscored host Bluefield 22–10 in the second quarter on its way to a 68–56 road win in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday.

SMC (6–6, 2–5 AAC) was led by a game-high 23 points from senior Destiny Middleton, who scored 10 of her 23 during the decisive second quarter. Krystal Johnson and Zy Bell also reached double figures with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Bell added five rebounds and six steals in the win, while Johnson narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds.

"Bluefield is a good team. We started out rough, but after that we turned it around with everyone playing hard the whole time," said Middleton. "It wasn't perfect, but it was a great effort and we got better."

Bluefield (0–13, 0–7 AAC) was led by Maddie Day, who scored 21 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Abby O'Quinn joined her in double figures with 10 points.

The Pioneers' defense fueled the comeback after Bluefield shot 57.1 percent in the opening quarter to take a 19–17 lead. Over the final 30 minutes, the Rams were held to 23.4 percent shooting and committed 14 turnovers.

Before heading into the Christmas break, SMC will travel to Atlanta to face Life University on Tuesday, Dec. 16, with tipoff set for 5:30 p.m.