Kevin Kim, Coordinator of Sports Information

BEREA, KY. –

After falling to Piedmont College in the USA South Conference Championship the past two years, the Mountaineers were able to avenge their losses by defeating Piedmont College on home court 66-58 at the Seabury Center. This win capped the best season for the Mountaineers since 2008, by going 25-3, with a conference championship. This win alkso gives the Mountaineers their first ever NCAA tournament appearance.

The Mountaineers (25-3), started out slow in the first quarter, giving up an early 10-2 run to the Lions. The Mountaineers fought back hard for the rest of the quarter, ending on a 9-4 run to cut the deficit to 14-11. The second quarter was a back and forth dogfight, but the Mountaineers were able to edge out the Lions, 16-13 in the quarter, thanks to a couple of 3's by Briana Lanham (Berea, KY) and Leah Parker (Livingston, TN). They entered the half tied 27-27.

In the third quarter, the Mountaineers were able to separate themselves from the Lions, outscoring them 18-11 in the quarter. Aaliyah Hampton (Hopkinsville, KY) and Briana Lanham were able to score 13 out of the 18 points, as well as forcing the Lions to 4 turnovers in the quarter and limiting them to 23.1% from the field. In the fourth quarter, the Lions again made a run, cutting the lead down to two points with less than a minute to play. But USA South Player and Rookie of the Year, Aaliyah Hampton proved why she became only the 2nd player in the conference to ever be awarded both honors at the same time. Hampton was able to make two clutch free throws to nail the coffin on the Lions' hope to win the USA South Conference title for the 4th consecutive year. 

The Mountaineers were led by USA South Player and Rookie of the Year, Aaliyah Hampton who scored 23 points, grabbed 4 rebounds, and registered 5 steals. Senior Briana Lanham added a double-double in her final game in the Seabury Center with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Nakeisha Greene registered 12 rebounds, which made her the first player in the program to break the 1000 rebound mark.

The Mountaineers will find out their destination in the first round of the NCAA DIII Women's Basketball National Tournament on the National Selection show tomorrow, Monday, March 2nd. The Selection Show is scheduled to start at 2:30 pm EST.

For the latest news and updates regarding Berea College Basketball, follow the Mountaineers on Twitter at @Berea_Athletics, on Facebook at Berea College Athletics and on Instagram @Berea_Athletics