Box Score Due West, S.C. – A late run by North Greenville cost the Erskine Flying Fleet a chance at a win tonight as the Fleet lost 68 to 54 in Conference Carolinas women’s basketball action at Belk Arena.

The Crusaders (3-10, 1-8) outscored the Fleet (0-15, 0-10) 17 to 5 over the last seven minutes to play to seal the victory.  After freshman Tori Whittenberg (Mauldin, SC, Mauldin High School) made two free throws to bring the Fleet within two at 51 to 49, North Greenville jumped into a full court press, rattling the young Fleet guards into misfiring on several shots while offensively NGU got back-to-back 3-point baskets from Tyler Powers and Ashleigh Edwards to extend their lead to eight points.  NGU’s full court press pushed the lead to double-digits moments later as Ciara Anderson made a layup and a free throw and Tierra Richberg hit an open jump shot.  The Crusaders won the game going away 68 to 54.

Sophomore Andrienne Bannerman (Watha, NC, Pender High School) earned a “double-double” with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds.  She also had 3 blocks and 5 steals on the defensive end.  Whittenberg scored 13 points while senior guard Sha'Niqua Whitley (Columbia, SC, Ridge View High School) came off the bench to score a team-high 15 points.

The Crusaders had three players finish in double-figures, led by Powers’ game-high 18 points.  Timisty Nelson contributed 13 points while Alisha Hope had 10 points.

After allowing NGU to score the first four points of the game, the Fleet roared back to take a 13 to 6 lead.  Whittenberg led the charge scoring 8 points on two 3-point shots and a layup.

Unfortunately as has so often been the case this season, Erskine failed to score on their next six possessions allowing NGU to tie the game at 13 to 13 on a 3-point shot by Powers.  The lead exchanged hands a couple more times and at halftime it was all tied up at 22 to 22.

Erskine’s next three games are all on the road.  On Thursday, the Fleet travel to Banner Elk, North Carolina, to play the Bobcats of Lees-McRae College.  Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.