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HOME OF THE LANDER UNIVERSITY BEARCATS #CLAWSUP
79
Winner Lander Lander 7-2,2-0 Peach Belt
75
Ga. Southwestern GS 5-5,1-1 Peach Belt
Winner
Lander Lander
7-2,2-0 Peach Belt
79
Final
75
Ga. Southwestern GS
5-5,1-1 Peach Belt
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Lander Lander 17 24 18 20 79
Ga. Southwestern GS 12 16 28 19 75
Fowles WBB
Nicholas Winegard

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | Hailey Franklin - Assistant Sports Information Director

Bearcats Secure a Thrilling Road Victory Over GSW on Fowles' Dominant 28-Point Performance

AMERICUS, Ga. - The Lander University women's basketball team continued its impressive start to the Peach Belt Conference season with a hard-fought 79-75 win over Georgia Southwestern at the Storm Dome in Americus. The Bearcats, now 7-2 overall and 2-0 in the Peach Belt, showcased resilience and composure to fend off a strong third-quarter surge by the Hurricanes (5-5, 1-1 PBC). 

"Success on the court comes down to team effort, relentless will, and the fight to overcome every challenge," stated Head Coach Nicole "Colie" Shelwick. "These ladies focused on togetherness and found a way to finish!"

How it Happened 

The Bearcats came out firing, led by Shcira Fowles' dominance in the paint. Lander shot 43.8 percent from the field and converted two key three-pointers, while their defense held GSW to just 22.2 percent shooting. Fowles scored eight of her game-high 28 points, a new career high, in the quarter as the Bearcats took a 17-12 lead.

Lander extended their lead with efficient shooting, hitting 55.6 percent from the field and going a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. Aliyah Bello and Ryan Elbert contributed key buckets off the bench, helping the Bearcats outscore the Hurricanes 24-16. The Bearcats held a commanding 41-28 lead over the Hurricanes at the half. 

Georgia Southwestern stormed back with a 28-point third quarter. Despite the Hurricanes' 55 percent shooting in the quarter, Fowles and Courtney Nesbitt provided critical scores to keep Lander ahead, narrowly, 59-56 heading into the fourth. 

The Bearcats' defense came up with crucial stops in a nail-biting finish, and Fowles' rebounding and second-chance points proved decisive. Bello's tip-ins and Quadaija Langley's fast-break layups kept the Hurricanes at bay. Despite GSW narrowing the lead to one point late in the quarter, free throws from Fowles and Trinity Thomas sealed the 79-75 victory. 

Game Highlights
  • Shcira Fowles dominated the game with 28 points, seven rebounds, and crucial late-game free throws.
  • Aliyah Bello energized the team with 13 points, including two vital three-pointers, and led the team in rebounds with nine.
  • Lander's bench outscored GSW's 23-19, with contributions from Ryan Elbert and Jazz Frierson.
  • LU capitalized with 48 points in the paint, leveraging Fowles' inside presence.
  • The Bearcats converted 22 points off turnovers, highlighting their defensive pressure.
Final Thoughts

"Shcira was massive for us today, being dominant in all facets of the game. The edge was our bench. Bello and Ryan found their offensive flow and rebounded big for us. That depth makes a huge difference," said Shelwick. 

UP NEXT
With the win, Lander remains undefeated in conference play and will look to carry their momentum into their next conference matchup against USC Beaufort. The Bearcats will host the Sandsharks on Wednesday, Jan. 8, starting at 5:30 p.m. in Horne Arena.
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