Newberry Slips Past Lady Pirates, 64-61

NEWBERRY, S.C. - The Armstrong Atlantic State women's basketball team sunk a season-high 12 three-pointers, but could not get the tying one to drop in the final 10 seconds in a 64-61 loss at Newberry on Wednesday evening.

The Lady Pirates (0-4) trailed Newberry (3-1) by six points, 64-58, after a jumper by Jessica Bearzatto with 59 seconds remaining. Portia Jones, however, brought the Lady Pirates back to within a possession with a three-pointer with 53 seconds left.

A missed jumper by Bearzatto with 21 seconds remaining gave the Lady Pirates one last possession to tie, but Jones' attempt was off the mark with eight seconds remaining. AASU got the offensive rebound, but a two-point attempt by Dartayvia Thomas missed as time expired, giving Newberry the victory.

Senior Lauren Hall led the Lady Pirates in scoring for a second consecutive game, hitting 7-of-9 shots from the floor - including 6-of-8 three-pointers - for a game-high 20 points. Sophomore Brooke Long chipped in 18 points off the bench for AASU.

Newberry placed four players in double figures, led by Helen McKinney's 14 points and 13 points from Anita Bulcher. Bearzatto added 12 and LeAnne Watson notched 10. Bulcher led all players in rebounding with 12, giving her a double-double on the night.

AASU's 12 three-pointers were the most for the Lady Pirates since Nov. 16, 2008, when they hit 12 shots from beyond the arc in a 78-76 win at Concord (W. Va.).

The Lady Pirates will finally open up their home slate next with a Sunday, November 29 matchup with Pfeiffer at 2:00 p.m. at Alumni Arena.