NEWBERRY, S.C. — Catawba’s Lady Indians moved to within a win of at least a share of the South Atlantic Conference championship — and reached the magic 20-win level for the season — with an 80-51 romp over Newberry Saturday.
At the same time, the Lady Indians presented coach John Duncan with his 100th Catawba victory. He is the winningest Catawba women’s coach, with a 100-35 record in five years.
It was the 11th SAC win against one loss for the Lady Indians with two conference games remaining at home this week.
The Lady Indians, who lead the SAC race by a game, can claim a title tie with a win over Presbyterian Wednesday or Carson-Newman on Saturday.
The loss left Newberry with an 0-12 SAC and a 4-19 mark for the season.
Catawba made 44.4 percent of its shots (16 of 36) in the first half, roaring to a 43-23 advantage at intermission.
The second half was just as bad for Newberry. Catawba started the last half with a 12-0 run and coasted the rest of the way.
Lakai Brice paced the Lady Indians with 17 points. Donna Carr, a former Salisbury High star, followed with a double-double — 13 points and 10 rebounds. Danyel Locklear, who has been a scoring threat lately, was next with 11. Satu Puolitaival added 10.
Catawba’s pressure defense was outstanding, holding Newberry to 35-percent shooting (18-for-51) for the game. The Lady Indians also won the battle of the boards by a 45-38 margin and forced 35 turnovers.
CATAWBA (80) — Locklear 11, Little 8, Carr 13, Pasola 4, Brice 17, Stockton 2, Pugh, Hunjo, Cartwright, Puolitaival 10, Mitchell, Powell 2, Buckland 6,Timola 7.
NEWBERRY (51) — Smith 6, Cook 12, Joplin, Roseborough 4, Tims 6, Crank 3, Cushman 2 Maloney, Beauford 5, Glandon, Wix 3.
Catawba 43 37 — 80
Newberry 23 28 — 51
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