SMC Women's Basketball Rallies for 72-71 Win Over Johnson & Wales (NC)

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The matchup between Johnson & Wales (NC) and Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball saw 14 lead changes and was tied 11 times on Wednesday night. Down by one 66-65 with 2:55 left to play, SMC freshman Krystal Johnson scored a three-point play to put the host Pioneers ahead for the rest of the contest en route to a 72-71 win over the visiting Wildcats.

Spartanburg Methodist College (6-12), who was using just seven players in its rotation, got contributions throughout the lineup in the win. Najah Gilliam nearly had a triple double with 20 points, eight rebounds and eight assists to lead the Pioneers. JaiDah Liebert scored a game-high 21 and Destiny Middleton added 13 in the winning efforts. Johnson had nine points, rebounds and three blocked shots; Latavius Wilson had six points, nine rebounds, three assists and four steals, Mia Hansen had three points and four assists and Emiya Gallman had two blocked shots and two steals 

Johnson & Wales (N.C.) was able to land four Wildcats in double figures with three double double efforts. Jordan Durant led JWU with 17 points and 10 rebounds, Gabby Tapley had 13 points and Laken Rowe added 12 points and 13 rebounds. One of the top scorers for JWU, Maliah Preston, who came in averaging 10.7 points per game, was held to just two in the loss. 

SMC found itself down seven, 62-55 with 8:17 to play in the contest. The Pioneers came back with eight straight to take a 63-62 advantage with 4:28 to go. After the two teams traded leads, it was the three-point play by Johnson that propelled the home team to the win.

Next, SMC will host Morris College on Monday, February 3 at 5 p.m.

Photo by Marc Mixtega, SMC Sports Communications