SMC Women's Basketball Makes History in 67-61 Win Over Carolina at CAC Tournament

LAWRENCE, Kansas – The Spartanburg Methodist College women's basketball team achieved a significant milestone on Thursday night when they defeated Carolina University, 69-61, in the first round of the Continental Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Tournament.

The first year NAIA program became the first team sport to pick up a post-season win in school history. To achieve this milestone, it took each and every player on the roster.

Coming into the contest, the Bruins and the Pioneers had split the two regular season meetings with each team winning on its home court.

After falling behind 14-9 after the first 10 minutes, the Pioneers (11-16) outscored the Bruins, 58-47 for the final 30 minutes. SMC sophomore JaiDah Liebert, who was named second team all-CAC on Thursday was held scoreless through the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter, Liebert went 4 of 7 from the field – 3 of 5 from the 3-point line en route to 11 points thru the first 20 minutes.

Her efforts on the offensive end along with a stifling defense that held Carolina to 20% (2 of 10) shooting sent the Pioneers into the half with a four-point lead, 28-24. SMC stretched the lead to as much as 11 on a pair of occasions in the final 20 minutes en route to the win.

Liebert finished the contest with 31 points to lead all scorers. The 31 points match a season-high for Libert, who also had 31 in the win on Jan. 10 against Fisher. Destiny Middleton, who was also named second team all=CAC on Thursday, joined her in double figures with 11 points.

"After competing the way we did, battling the ups and downs of a great tournament game, I would've been proud of our team regardless of the outcome," said SMC head coach Reid Walling. "Carolina is a well-coached team that plays extremely hard. Obviously, JaiDah Liebert was incredible offensively. It speaks to how unselfish this group is they kept wanting to get her the ball with the hot hand. Plus, finishing that game with 21 offensive rebounds and matching Carolina's physicality was the difference to me. I am just really proud of our effort and excited to keep this journey going."

For the Bruins, Bianca Gonzalez and Alaysia Kidwell each had 12 points to lead Carolina. Felesia Ondongo and Le'Asia Matthews had 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Next, Spartanburg Methodist College will play host and No. 2 seed Haskell Indian Nations College on Saturday, Mar. 1.