Monday, November 19, 2007

 

TUSCULUM WOMEN WIN THIRD STRAIGHT, PIONEERS BEAT CONVERSE 95-57

 

                GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- Stephany Neptune recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Tusculum College women's basketball team to a 95-57 victory over Converse College Monday night at Pioneer Arena.

 

                Ten of 12 players scored for the Pioneers (3-0) while Neptune recorded her second double-double in three days. Ashli Oliver scored a game-high 18 points, all on six 3-pointers, while Kat Spears added 17 points and three rebounds.  Jasmine Parker posted 14 points off the bench, while rookie guard Jasmine Gunn recorded seven points, eight rebounds and 10 assists in the win.

 

                Kendra Bothof led Converse (0-3) with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting off the bench, while Shai Walker accounted for 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks.  Brandy Williams led the Valkyries with 10 rebounds, to along with eight markers.

 

                Tusculum started the game with a 16-8 run in the opening 3:36, capped off by a pair of three-pointers from Oliver.  Converse would answer with a 5-0 spurt thanks to a trey by Paige Woodard and a jumper from Morgan Sacharski to trail 16-12 with 13:04 remaining before halftime.

 

                Leading 32-24 with 6:16 left in the opening half, TC went on a 9-0 run over the next three minutes, including consecutive buckets by Neptune and five points from Parker, including a three-point play to start the surge.  TC would take a 48-33 advantage into the locker room.

 

                In the second half, the Pioneers broke the game open with a 16-6 run in the first five minutes of the final period to lead 64-39 following a jumper by Diana Neves with 14:50 left in the game.  Tusculum would lead by at least 25 points for the remainder of the night.

 

                Tusculum has won its last 12 non-conference games at home, a streak dating back to Dec. 2, 2004.

 

                The Pioneers will be on the road this weekend for the Lady Saints Classic in Dahlonega, Ga.  Tusculum will face Columbus State University on Friday, before taking on host North Georgia College & State University on Saturday.

 

- TC -