Box Score Kevin Kim, Staff Writer
ESSENTIALS:
Berea College 77, Averett Univeristy 73
Berea College 22-5, (15-2 USAS)
Averett University 18-9, (13-3 USAS)
Demorest, GA
Berea College Women's Basketball reaches the USA South Conference Championship for the second straight year after defeating Averett University in a thriller, beating the Cougars 77-73 at The Cave Arena in Demorest, GA.
Berea College and Averett University were tied 69-69, with two minutes to play, but Junior Guard Bethanie Williams came through clutch for the Mountaineers again, making a big 3 pointer to give the Mountaineers some breathing room in the final minutes of the game.
The Mountaineers started the game fast and furious, scoring 26 points in the first quarter, leading Averett 26-18. However, the Cougars made adjustments to Berea's offense, limiting them to only 7 points in the 2nd quarter, outscoring the Mountaineers 24-7, to take the lead into halftime 42-33. Bailee Vanover led the Mountaineers in the half with 12 points.
The Mountaineers again started the 2nd half fast and furious, going on a 13-0 run to take the lead away from Averett and took the lead into the 4th quarter with a last second layup by Vanover to make it 57-55. However, Averett was able to take the lead 66-33 with 4:50 remaining in the game after a four-point play by Averett's Alixis Roccia.
After Williams' go-ahead 3-pointer, Isis Hill was able to hit one of two free throws with 12.1 seconds to play to give the Mountaineers a comfortable four-point lead. The Mountaineers' defense was able to step up in the final minutes to limit the Cougars' chances of coming back in the game.
The Mountaineers were led by junior guard Bethanie Williams with 21 points and 3 rebounds, and freshmen Bailee Vanover with 16 points and 5 assists. Averett was led by senior guard Alixis Roccia who scored 14 points in her final game.
This win gave The Berea College Women's Basketball team a rematch for the USA South Championship against Piedmont College for the second straight year. Piedmont defeated Berea last year in a close match-up 69-63 in the finals. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00pm tomorrow.
