TheIndians finished 11-5 in the SAC, a game ahead of Gardner-Webb (10-6).

Catawba (19-7) faces Carson-Newman in a rematch in the first round of the SACtourney at Goodman Gym Tuesday night at 7.

The loss dropped Carson-Newmanto seventh place in the final SACstandings with a 5-11 mark. The Eagles carry an 8-17 record into the tourney.

The Indians turned in a hot-shooting performance. Catawba fired in 26 field goals, nine of those from 3-point range.

The Indians delivered six 3-pointers in the first half when they took a 35-24 advantage at intermission. Catawba made 51 percent (26-for-51) of its field goal attempts.

Meanwhile, the strong Catawba defense limited the Eagles to 18 goals.

Vuokko Timola got the Lady Indians’ 3-point show under way with a goal at the start of the game. Catawba then got four quick 3-pointers from Lakai Brice, Lynne Allen, Leticia Stockton and Olivia Norred in racing to a 22-12 advantage.

Kristin Wooten hit a 3-pointer later to give Catawba a 39-14 lead with 2:50 left in the half.

Brice and Timola added 3-pointers as Catawba built an 18-point lead at 47-29 before four minutes had elapsed in the second half.

Catawba got its biggest lead at 71-40 in the fading minutes.

Four Lady Indians reached double figures. Timola and Erin Buckland led with 14 apiece. Brice added 12 and Wooten had 11.

Laurah Meade led Carson-Newman with 12.

Wooten and Norred, both seniors, were recognized and presented plaques for their service to the team before the game.

CARSON-NEWMAN(46) — Standridge 5, James 6, Meade 12, McBee 7, Jones 3, Dunn 3, Baylis 7, Rains 3.

CATAWBA(74) — Norred 6, Timola 14, Buckland 14, Wooten 11, Brice 12, Puolitaival, Hall 4, Allen 6, Stockton 5, Borders 2, Mitchell, Austin.

Carson-Newman 24 22 — 46