Aiken, S.C. – Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team continues play on the road against fellow Peach Belt opponent USC Aiken on Wednesday afternoon. Shaniece Sheffield finished the game with a team high of 15 points, in an attempt to secure the win. However, USC Aiken was able to pull out the 78-70 win.
The Lady 'Canes came out hot with an early 13-4 run on Aiken. Three-pointers were made by Tiara Thompson(2) and Sierra Barrino-Kennedy. By the 15:40 mark GSW was up nine points. Nevertheless, Aiken was able to come back and surpass the Lady 'Canes during the eight minute of play. The two teams were equal going back and forth during the final minutes of the half. USC Aiken led 40-33.
Shanedra Lockett led GSW during the first half with 10 points. USC Aiken's Porsha Martin and Mariah Durian led the Pacers with eight points apiece.
The game continued in an equal scoring fashion until the 14th minute. USC Aiken ran away with the score during a 13-2 run ending with a jump shot by Kiana Griffin at 8:02, Aiken 67-47. Shortly thereafter, Barrino-Kennedy, Jones, Sheffield contributed to a 11-2 run, Aiken 70-60. Sheffield attempted to narrow the difference with a three, jumper, and free throw; Aiken 73-66.
In the final minutes GSW started to foul in hopes to catch the lead. Sheffield achieved one point and Lockett secured four. This was not enough to catch Aiken. Aiken finished ahead by eight, 78-70.
Along with Sheffield's double digit scoring, she contributed two rebounds and assists, and three steals. Lockett joined with high digits, scoring 14 points, snatching eight rebounds, making two blocks, and one steal. Barrino-Kennedy added 13 points, grabbing five rebounds, one block and one assist. Tiara Thompson contributed with 10 points, three rounds, one assist and steal to GSW. Danyelle Jones also achieved a game high of seven assists during the game.
Aiken's Durian finished with 17 points and six rebounds. Martin was able to add nine rebounds. Mackenzie Reese had 13 points and four rebounds. Finally Courtney Mealing had 12 points and six rebounds.
USC Aiken's bench outscored GSW's by ten points. A highlight for GSW was finishing the game with four less turnovers.
The Lady 'Canes end their on the road stretch on Saturday, February 22, for Senior Day and Pink Day at home against PBC Clayton State. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.