Orangeburg, S.C.—For the first time since the 2005-06 season the SC State women’s basketball team won its season-opener as they defeated Savannah State, 60-50. The non-conference matchup was contested in the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the campus of SC State University.

SC State (1-0) owned a 20 point lead over the Savannah State (1-1) late in the first half and enjoyed a 17 point lead heading into the locker-rooms at the half, 38-21.

Savannah State began the second half on a 12-4 run to pull within nine, 42-33 and would cut the lead down to four, 48-44 midway through the second but could not get any closer. The Lady Bulldogs increased its lead to 12 with a little over a minute remaining and would go on to defeat the Lady Tigers by 10, 60-50 .

“It’s always good to open the season with a victory,” said second year head coach Doug Robertson. “We did some good things and I saw some things that we need to work on; but overall it was a good win.”

The Lady Bulldogs had three players to score in double-figures led by senior Sophilia Hipps with 18 (6-of-6 from the charity stripe). Junior Joi Walker and freshman Paris Alston contributed 12 and 10 points respectively. Walker and freshman Tiana Hemphill led team in rebounding with eight.

Savannah State was led by Crissa Jackson with 13 points and Alisha Nelson with 10 rebounds in the loss.

The Lady Bulldogs don’t have much time to work on its weaknesses as they return to the court on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. when they host the Bulldogs of UNC-Asheville. Admission to Tuesday’s contest will be played in S-H-M and is free and open to the public.

Game Notes: Points in the Paint (SSU: 20-SC State: 34); Points off Turnovers (SSU: 19-SC State: 22); Second Chance Points (SSU: 16-SC State: 13).

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