SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Chowan University women's basketball team eliminated No. 3 seed Belmont Abbey College in the quarterfinals of the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship on Friday night. Entering the tournament as the No. 6 seed, the Hawks battled the Crusaders in a defensive showdown from start to finish.
After Chowan scored the opening bucket, Belmont Abbey maintained the lead for most of the contest and carried the advantage into the fourth quarter. The Hawks, however, had an answer. With 5:20 remaining, Chowan knotted the game at 48-48 before taking the lead at the 1:12 mark to secure the 53-50 win and punch their ticket to the semifinals.
THE BASICS
FINAL | Chowan 53, Belmont Abbey 50
RECORDS | Chowan (18-8, 14-6), Belmont Abbey (21-7, 16-4)
LOCATION | Spartanburg, S.C. (Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium)
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Desiree Askew stepped up on both ends of the floor, making an impact defensively and offensively. She grabbed five defensive rebounds and recorded a steal, while finishing with 12 points on a flawless 5-5 shooting performance from the field. Askew also knocked down two free throws, added two offensive rebounds for seven total boards, and dished out an assist.
Ayanna Rutledge was another key contributor on both ends of the floor. She drew two offensive fouls to give Chowan extra possessions and added two steals on the defensive end. Offensively, Rutledge connected on five field goals, knocked down two free throws, and collected four rebounds to finish with 12 points alongside Askew.
Nyeisha Savage recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds while battling through foul trouble down the stretch. Despite the adversity, Savage remained composed and played cautiously yet effectively to avoid picking up her fifth foul. The Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Year secured all 12 of her rebounds on the defensive glass while also adding a steal.
Yasmine Brown contributed seven points, knocking down the Hawks' lone three-pointer of the night, while also recording two assists and a steal.
Aquarius Pettaway earned the start for Chowan and provided solid minutes, finishing with five points and four rebounds. Keilani Johnson applied pressure on the Crusaders defensively, recording three key steals to go along with three rebounds, two points, and an assist.
UP NEXT
The Hawks will face No. 2 seed Barton College in the Conference Carolinas Semifinals on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. inside Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium on the campus of Wofford College.
