January 14, 2008

Greensboro, NC- The Salem College Basketball Team traveled to Greensboro to play a non-conference game against the Bennett College Belles.

The action was fast and furious from the tip-off in front of an electrifying packed house. Salem took a nine point lead with 8:55 left in the first half only to have Bennett storm back to take the lead 42-40 with just 1:10 remaining before half. In the last 51 seconds, Courtney Sauer (FY, Carthage, NC) blocked two shots and Michala Michaux (So, Morganton, NC) hit two free throws to make the halftime score 42-42. The Spirits opened the second half with an 11-3 run. Bennett pulled within one point 57-56 with 6:48 left in the game when Angie Pearson hit two free throws. Salem finished the game with a 20-7 spurt to secure the hard fought victory 77-65.

Casey Jones (So, Winston-Salem, NC) led the Spirits in scoring with 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Shakila Springs (So, Winston-Salem, NC) secured a team-high 15 rebounds along with her 19 points, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Michala Michaux scored 14 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Kelsey Rector (FY, State Road, NC) scored 11 points and dished out four assists.  The Spirits shot 41% from the floor, including seven 3-pointers.

The Belles of Bennett College (8-5) were led by ShaRonda LaBoard (17 pts), Christine Weatherspoon (14 pts) and Asia Smith (10 pts, 11 reb).

Salem College (6-10) will return to action on Thursday evening as they travel to Danville, VA to play Averett University at 7 pm.