WISE, VA. – Despite the frigid temperatures hitting the East, Anderson women's basketball (12-7, 8-5 SAC) turned up the heat shooting 63.2 % for the second half to defeat South Atlantic Conference opponent UVA Wise (8-9, 5-8 SAC), 93-79, on Saturday afternoon at the David J. Prior Convocation Center.

"We started out a little flat today, but snapped out of it with a huge lift from our bench when Leslie and Peytyn came in and amped up the press," said head coach Jonathon Barbaree. "From there I thought we played with pace and great energy."

"Diamond and Zee got going offensively, but shared the ball as well," added Barbaree. "We continued to improve each quarter to secure the win."

After falling behind 24-17 at the conclusion of the first period, senior Leslie Marios provided a lift off the bench to settle the team and provide a spark during the second quarter of action. Marios scored four points, totaled five rebounds, dished out two assists and was credited for two steals during the period. Junior Ashlyn Sheridan pumped in nine points in the Black and Gold's pivotal quarter helping the Trojans win the second period, 23-8.

Anderson continued to pour on the points in the third and fourth quarter's of play scoring 25 and 28 points, respectively. Senior Diamond McDowell continued her solid play earning her eighth double-double of the season. McDowell poured in a game-high 24 points and ripped down 11 rebounds while adding eight assists. Senior Zamiya Passmore also claimed a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists. Passmore was also credited with four steals on the afternoon. Freshman Rose Gravel netted 16 points while grabbing eight rebounds and Sheridan finished the contest with 15 points on 7-of-8 shooting and six rebounds.

The Trojans outscored UVA Wise 66-46 inside the paint while out-rebounding the Cavilers, 47-36. Anderson holds an 11-5 record when out rebounding its opponent.

UVA Wise placed three players in double-digit scoring with Sable Burnside scoring a team-high 22 points. Caroline Mullins and Allissa Cheek contributed 17 and 11 points, respectively.

Anderson continues its three-game road swing when it faces off with SAC foe Carson-Newman on Saturday, Jan. 25^th. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm in Jefferson City, Tenn.