SMC Uses 13-1 Overtime Surge to Down TMU

Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball outscored Truett McConnell 13-1 in overtime on its way to a 75-63 win Saturday afternoon.

The Pioneers (14-11, 9-9 AAC) entered the extra period tied at 62 and held the host Bears without a field goal in overtime to secure the victory. SMC senior Najah Gilliam scored six of her game-high 29 points in the extra period to lead the way. She was joined in double figures by Halle Traylor and Krystal Johnson, who finished with 17 and 13 points, respectively.

Truett McConnell (5-21, 4-14 AAC) was paced by a double-double from Destinee Lovejoy, who recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds. Kayleigh Kelley also reached double figures with 10 points.

"I'm really proud of our team for again proving their resiliency," said SMC head coach Reid Walling. "We've learned that in this conference, every game is hard, and I have a ton of respect for Coach Fields and their program. They made it really hard, and we were able to compete through multiple storms, stay together, and stick to the process. I am really excited to keep going with this group."

Trailing 62-60 with 28 seconds remaining in regulation, Johnson converted a layup to tie the game. A last-second layup attempt by the Bears fell short, sending the contest to overtime. On the first possession of the extra period, Gilliam set the tone with a steal and layup to give the Pioneers a 64-62 lead. SMC then scored eight consecutive points in overtime to pull away for the win.

SMC will have a quick turnaround, traveling Monday to face UPIKE at 5:30 p.m. UPIKE won the earlier meeting, 76-67, on Dec. 6 in Spartanburg.