GREENWOOD - The Lander University women's basketball team capped 2024 with an 80-57 victory over the University of Mount Olive, showcasing a balanced attack and standout performances by key players. With the win, the Bearcats improve to 6-2 overall heading into the new year.Â
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Sophomore guard Trinity Thomas had a career day, scoring a career-high 22 points on an efficient 9-of-16 shooting, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Her aggressive play set the tone early, as Lander jumped to a 15-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.
Courtney Nesbitt and Shcira Fowles delivered double-doubles, dominating both ends of the court. Nesbitt filled the stat sheet with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals while shooting 3-of-4 from three-point range.Â
Fowles contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds, her fourth double-double of the season, helping Lander control the glass with a commanding 48-32 rebounding advantage.Â
Junior guard Quadaija Langley was the fourth Bearcat to score in double digits with 13 points.Â
How it Happened
Lander's defense came out firing, holding Mount Olive to just 5 points on 14.3 percent shooting in the opening frame. Meanwhile, the Bearcats capitalized on turnovers and transition opportunities to take a 15-5 lead.
The Trojans responded in the second quarter, shooting 53.3 percent from the field and scoring 20 points, their highest-scoring quarter of the game. Despite this, Lander maintained control with a balanced attack and a slight edge in free-throw efficiency to head into halftime, leading 31-25.
The Bearcats' offense ignited in the third quarter, as they outscored Mount Olive 25-15, shooting a hot 60 percent from the field. Their relentless defense forced 25 turnovers, resulting in 21 points.
The Bearcats closed out the game in style, outpacing Mount Olive 24-17 in the final frame. Their 78.6% free-throw shooting ensured there was no chance of a comeback for the Trojans.Â
As a team, Lander shot 43.1 percent (28-of-65) from the field and connected on 18-of-24 (75 percent) of their free throws. Lander also dominated in the paint, scoring 40 points down low and capitalizing on fast breaks with 20 points.Â
UP NEXTÂ
Lander women's basketball will open up the new year with a Peach Belt Conference road game at Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Americus, Ga.
