J.R. Williams – Sports Information Assistant
Berea went into the USA South semifinal game against Maryville College looking to advance to the conference title game for the third year in a row. Berea was in a dogfight for much of the game but pulled out a hard fought win, 64-60.
Maryville outshot the Mountaineers from the field (33.9% to 30%) and from the 3 point line (35% to 23.7%). But the Mountaineers outrebounded the Scots 45-34, which in turn, led to 17 second chance points. Berea also dominated at the free throw line (78.4% to 64.7%), shooting 20 more free throws than Maryville.
The Mountaineers were led by Aaliyah Hampton (Hopkinsville, KY), who scored 19 points (8-12 FT). Bailee Vanover (Richmond, KY) added 17 points and 5 rebounds, and Kristin Barnes (Murfreesboro, TN) added 11 points. Destanie Love (Bardstown, KY) had a season-high 18 rebounds.
The Scots were led by Kelley Wandell, who had a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Klaire Varney added 12 points, while Courtney Carruthers and Elsa Eckenrod each chipping in 10 points.
Now in 7 games against Maryville, the Mountaineers have not lost a game against the Scots since joining the USA South Athletic Conference.
Next up, the Mountaineers will play (and host) the USA South Conference tournament finals against rival Piedmont on Sunday March 1st at 3pm at the Seabury Center, which will be a rematch of the two previous USA South Conference tournament finals. Piedmont has had the better of Berea both times, but the Mountaineers look to avenge their losses on home court this time.
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