Elizabeth City, NC- #2 Berea, riding a three-game winning streak, played in the Lady Mustangs Showcase hosted by Mid-Atlantic Christian University. The team played two USCAA opponents as part of the Showcase, the first against host Mid-Atlantic Christian on Thursday and the second against the Warren Wilson College Owls on Friday.
The first game against the Lady Mustangs saw Berea take a lead they never gave up, outscoring Mid-Atlantic Christian 20-6 in the first quarter. Going into halftime, the Mountaineers lead increased to 45-22. Berea's defense continued its strong play throughout the game as they held the Lady Mustangs to just 29.4 percent shooting for the game and forced 16 turnovers, taking a 69-37 advantage through three quarters. The Mountaineers walked off the court with a 92-51 victory, the fourth straight win for the team and the second time in the last three games Berea has had a margin of victory over 40 points.
Bethanie Williams led the Mountaineers with 19 points. Other players in double-figures included Bri Lanham (16), Nakeisha Greene (12), Zacchea Small (12) and Jaime Roberts (10). Greene finished with new career highs in rebounds (25) and blocks (7), completing her fourth straight double-double. Kristen Barnes left the court with the most assists on the team with eight.
In a game which saw many lead changes, Warren Wilson College ended with the lead after the first quarter, 17-14. Berea's offense picked up in the second quarter and the team headed to halftime with a 39-31 advantage. The lead went up to double digits for the Mountaineers as the third quarter ended, 59-45. Berea was able to hold off an Owls' comeback attempt and collected their fifth straight win, 81-74.
Lanham led the way on the offensive end for the Mountaineers with 19 points, followed by Williams (17), Barnes (15), Roberts (11) and Small (10). Greene finished with a team-high 13 rebounds while Lanham finished her double-double effort with 12 rebounds.
Berea (11-5) returns to the court Tuesday, January 31st when they travel to Kentucky Christian University. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM.