Orangeburg, SC—For the first time since the 2005-06 season the SC State women's basketball team won its season-opener as the Lady Bulldogs defeated Savannah State, 60-50 Sunday. The non-conference matchup was contested in the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the campus of SC State University.
SC State (1-0) owned a 20-point lead over the Savannah State (1-1) late in the first half and enjoyed a 17-point spread heading into the locker-rooms at the half, 38-21.
Savannah State began the second half on a 12-4 run to pull to within nine, 42-33, and would cut the lead to four, 48-44, midway through the second but could not get any closer. The Lady Bulldogs increased their lead to 12 with a little over a minute remaining and would go on to victory.
"It's always good to open the season with a victory," said second year head coach Doug Robertson. "We did some good things and I saw some things that we need to work on, but overall it was a good win."
The Lady Bulldogs had three players to score in double-figures, led by senior Sophilia Hipps with 18 (6-of-6 from the charity stripe). Junior Joi Walker and freshman Paris Alston contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Walker and freshman Tiana Hemphill led the team in rebounding with eight each.
Savannah State was led by Crissa Jackson with 13 points and Alisha Nelson with 10 rebounds in the loss.
The Lady Bulldogs don't have much time to work on any weaknesses as they return to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. when they host the Bulldogs of UNC-Asheville. Admission to Tuesday's contest is free and open to the public.
Game Notes: Points in the Paint (SSU: 20-SC State: 34); Points off Turnovers (SSU: 19-SC State: 22); Second Chance Points (SSU: 16-SC State: 13).
