Basketball (W)

November 21, 2020

Bruce Fires in Career-Best 21 Points to Lead Women's Basketball to Opening Win

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Senior Marissa Bruce scored a career-high 21 points in helped Catawba to a 77-63 season-opening win over visiting Anderson in South Atlantic Conference women’s basketball action at Goodman Gym on Saturday afternoon. It marked the opener for both schools and the first athletic event at Catawba since men’s lacrosse was in action at home on March 11.

Bruce tallied 19 of her career-best in the opener half to help the Catawba Indians edge ahead 36-34. The previous high for Bruce with Catawba was nine points in the 2018 season opener against North Greenville.

The Lady Indians pulled away in the third period, outscoring the Trojans 25-12 to go up 61-46. Anderson closed within 67-58 with 5:24 remaining after three-pointers by Taylor Hair and Ashley Berry, but Catawba would allow the visitors just one more field goal the rest of the way and Taisha DeShazo pushed the lead back to 13 on a three-pointer with 2:29 left.

Shemya Stanback and Talia Barnes followed Bruce in double figures for Catawba, each scoring 10. Barnes added nine rebounds, while Stanback dished out four assists and made three steals. DeShazo and Lauren Ford each had nine points and Lyrik Thorne added eight point and four steals.

Hair had 23 points to pace Anderson. McKenzie Gadson followed with 12 points. Alexis Tate picked up eight points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Neither team shot well. Catawba overcame a rough first quarter (3-of-18, 17%) to make 37& for the game. The Lady Indians were 23-of-52 (44%) during the last three periods. Anderson shot 34% for the game.

Bruce
Catawba is next schedule to host Queens on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Box Score