North Carolina Central Tops Newberry in NCAA South Atlantic Region Women’s Basketball Tournament

MORROW, Ga. - The season for the Lady Indians of women's basketball came to an end Thursday afternoon at Clayton State University in the first round of NCAA Regionl Tournament, falling to second seeded North Carolina Central University. Though the Lady Indians came within five points as late as 4:25 remaining in the game, North Carolina Central fought off the valiant effort and pulled away late for a 73-66 win to advance to the second round.

Newberry College (24-7), the seventh seed, bolted out to a 37-30 lead in the second half with a 7-0 run over the first 2:03, capped off by a Tosha Goodman jumper. The scarlet and gray had good energy in the early going.

"I thought our girls came out strong," said head coach Jason Brink, "We had some fire to open the half."

However, the Lady Eagles of North Carolina Central (26-5) returned a spurt of their own, tying the game at the 11:30 mark after Cassie King converted a lay-up, 49-49.

A 9-4 run after tying the game gave the Lady Eagles a 60-53 edge.

Junior Ashlee Wright led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. The Myrtle Beach native also had five assists and was 5-for-5 from the free throw line.

"[Ashlee] has worked really hard over the past three years," said Brink, "Her performance does not surprise me because she is an excellent player."

Shooting guard Ashley Marine finished with 12 points, hitting three from beyond the arch, and junior Tonique Frasier ended her season with a 10 point, eight rebound effort.

Trailing most of the opening half, Newberry took its first lead with just 31 seconds remaining on the clock when Monica Alexander charged through the lane and scooped a lay-up around the rim and in for a 31-30 edge.

The Lady Indians took that one point lead into the locker room. North Carolina Central opened up leads of four and five points as late as 3:39. Then, Newberry went on an emotional 6-2 run to end the half.

Despite the end of the season, Newberry head coach Jason Brink's team set numerous program records, including most wins in a season with 24 and an 11-game winning streak.

Team accomplishments included a second consecutive Food Lion South Atlantic Tournament championship and three straight appearances in the NCAA Regional Tournament.

"I'm really proud of our kids," said Brink, "This team had a great year and this is by far the best season of women's basketball at Newberry College. One of the most telling things about this afternoon's game is that Newberry College belongs in the national tournament."