Due West, SC – Erskine overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to top Limestone College 65 to 57 in Conference Carolinas women’s basketball action at Belk Arena. With the comeback victory, the Fleet improve to 6-9 overall and 4-5 in conference. The Saints slip to 8-7 overall and 4-5 in conference.
After Limestone took an early 5 point lead on Tia Williams’ traditional 3-point play, Erskine responded with an 8-2 run on a 3-point basket and two made free throws by freshman LeAndra Culbertson (Columbia, SC, Blythewood High School) to take a 12-11 lead with 12:32 remaining. Over the next five minutes, Limestone used a 17-4 run to build their lead to double-digits at 28-16. Limestone maintained their double-digit advantage until two minutes remaining in the half when Erskine scored six unanswered points including a last second half-court shot by junior Elizabeth Tatum (Glennville, GA, Pinewood Christian Academy) to trim the deficit to just seven points at halftime.
Erskine opened the second half with a 6-2 run highlighted by a fast break layout from Porsha Morgan (Columbus, GA, LaGrange Academy) off a steal by Neci Allen (North Augusta, SC, North Augusta High School) to close within three points at 39-36. Limestone answered with two quick jumpers by Ashley Robinson and Kaileigh West to push their lead back to seven points but Erskine replied with a 10-0 run to take a 50-45 midway through the second half, giving the Fleet their first lead since the twelve minute mark in the first half. Limestone came back to take a brief lead but, with the home crowd sensing a victory at hand, the Fleet rallied one last time to win the game 65-57.
While the shooting percentages were rather equal for the game, Erskine 38.2% to Limestone’s 37.3%, Erskine held a significant advantage from behind the arc at 43.8% to 22.2%. The Fleet also scored 22 points off of Saint turnovers despite the turnover totals being just 16 to 14 in favor of the Fleet.
Tatum led all-scorers with a game-high 19 points and Porsha Morgan added 17 points. Freshman Jana Dixon (Conyers, GA, Heritage High School) grabbed a career-high 12 rebounds to lead the Fleet on the boards.
Limestone got a “double-double” from Kaileigh West with 10 points and a game-high 13 boards. Tia Williams and Maria Young led the Saints in scoring with 13 points each. Ashley Robinson also contributed 12 points.
Erskine goes on the road next Wednesday, February 2nd, to play Coker College. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
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