The Lipscomb women’s basketball team was left in the dust during the second half, as USC Upstate powered over 76-67 Wednesday night in Allen Arena.
The Lady Bisons put up a strong lead through the first half, but the Spartans proved to be too much for Lipscomb as they stole the court during the second half.
The game got off to a fast start, with both teams moving up in points rapidly. Just four minutes into the game, senior Danay Fothergill shot two three-pointers.
Fothergill scored 24 points in addition to seven rebounds and four assists in her final career home game.
“Fothergill has been very strong of late,” Lipscomb head coach Greg Brown said. “She played with a lot of poise. We did a good job of getting her the ball in rhythm, and she made the shots. She was active on the boards, and got four assists as well. It was a good all-around game.”
As the back and forth game continued, Lipscomb remained in the lead.
“I liked our energy and effort – I thought those seniors came out and gave great leadership [and] played very hard,” coach Brown said.
Momentum slowed down into the second part of the first half, but Fothergill powered down the court, scoring 13 points in the first half. Lipscomb was leading 27-24 at halftime.
The Lady Bisons continued gaining momentum into the first part of the second half, leading by five points.
Junior Ashley Southern shot a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds, also adding four assists. Fothergill and Southern scored a combined 46 points, but that didn’t keep the Spartans from rallying.
Upstate caught up to the Lady Bisons with 13 minutes left in the game and quickly gained momentum during the end of the second half. The Spartans led by six points with just 7 minutes left in the game.
Freshman Loren Cagle brought the Lady Bisons up 63-70 during the last two minutes, but the Spartans remained strong. Upstate was leading by eight points with just one minute left on the clock, but the Lady Bisons energy never died off.
Sophomore Alex Banks shot the last hoop for Lipscomb, bringing the final score to 76-67.
Spartans’ Brittany Starling, Brittany Clency, Raven Jefferson and Sharmayne Edwards all finished out the game in double figures.
Senior Sara Bliss finished out her final game as a Lady Bison. Bliss held back the Spartans leading scorer and added three points to the game.
“Bliss drew a tough assignment tonight both on defense and on offense,” coach Brown said. “They were into her tough.
“She’s meant a lot. She came in from Vol State — a local kid — and I’m proud of what she’s done.”
Former Lady Bison and current assistant coach Erika Thornsberry was also honored during senior night.
“I’m proud of Erika as well,” coach Brown said. “She came back from the injury and contributed to the program.”
Seniors Danay Fothergill, Erika Thornsberry and Sara Bliss.
Coach Brown said that the seniors have brought great work ethic and leadership to the team.
“I’m proud of what they’ve done for us with their careers here, not just on the floor but off the floor as well,” coach Brown said.
The Lady Bisons will head to Georgia to take on Kennesaw State for their regular season finale on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Photos by Erin Turner