Washington Adventist Defeats SMC, 80-73 in Overtime

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Visiting Washington Adventist spoiled a comeback by the Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball team as they outscored the Pioneers by a 13-6 margin in an extra period for an 80-73 win. 

SMC overcame a slow start and erased a 14-point first half deficit to force overtime. Limited to just six players, SMC was led by a 27-point effort - 16 of which came in the first half - from JaiDah Liebert. She was joined in the double figures by Najah Gilliam, who had 15 and Latavius Wilson had a double double with 14 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.

Washington Adventist was able to land three players in double figures with Isabela Lujan-Gonzales, who had 25 points to pace the Shock. Amani Ball added 18 points and a game-high 17 rebounds for a double double and Tye Queen had 17 points in the win. 

After trailing for most of the game, SMC took its first lead with :50 left in regulation when Gilliam made a jumper for a 66-65 lead. Destiny Middleton made one of two free throws with :28 left in regulation; however, the Shock managed to tie it and force overtime when Lujan-Gonzales hit a jumper with :09 left. WAU started the overtime on a 9-2 run on its way to the victory.

Photo by Jacie Ross, SMC Sports Management student