CLINTON, S.C. - The Presbyterian College women's basketball team fell at home to Winthrop by a score of 56-47 on Saturday evening. The Eagles outscored the Blue Hose 28-12 in the paint and shot nearly 50 percent on the night.
Sherece Smith (Clemson, S.C.) connected on a free throw with 3:32 remaining to cap a 6-0 run and bring PC within one at 46-47. However, Winthrop went seven-for-nine from the charity stripe down the stretch to pull away for the win. The Eagles were only 12 of 21 (57 percent) on the night compared to PC's 73 percent (11-15). However, the Eagles were eight of 11 in the second half.
Winthrop built an early lead, going up 10-4 on a free throw by Chantel Johnson at the 12:45 mark. Yet Karlee Taylor (Asheville, N.C.) responded with a lay-up and forced a timeout. On the next possession, Amanda Mills (Oregon City, Ore.) drained a three-pointer to bring the score to 10-9. The teams would trade baskets and go into the first media timeout with the Eagles leading 12-11.
The momentum would swing back-and-forth with PC eventually taking the lead on a three-pointer by Taylor with 1:43 remaining. A pair of free throws by Dria David (Lawrenceville, Ga.) would be the final points of the half, putting PC up 24-21 at the break.
The Eagles battled back in the second half and eventually took a seven-point lead after a lay-up by TaQuoia Hammick with 7:29 remaining. Baskets by Smith, Taylor, and Mills cut into the lead, but Winthrop's free throw shooting helped them hold on for the win.
The visiting Eagles connected on 21 of 43 shots (48.8 percent) compared to PC's 15 of 49 (30.6 percent). Yet the Blue Hose sank six of 16 (37.5 percent) from three compared to Winthrop's two of seven (28.6 percent).
Hammick recorded a double-double (16 points/11 rebounds) to lead the Eagles. She also had a pair of blocks. Dequesha McClanahan added 14 points and had both of Winthrop's treys. David had 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists to lead the Blue Hose. Taylor contributed 10 points, three assists, and one steal. Smith ended the night with seven points and six rebounds.
Winthrop improves to 12-12 (5-6 Big South) while PC falls to 8-17 (4-8 Big South).
The Blue Hose will return to play on Monday night when they host Charleston Southern at 7 p.m. It will serve as "Senior Night" with Amanda Mills and Chelsea Wright being honored for their contributions to the program.
