Dec. 29, 2008

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford's Emily London hit a three-pointer with two seconds to go in the game to lift the Bulldog women's basketball team to a 44-41 Southern Conference win over UNC Greensboro Monday night at the Pete Hanna Center.

"This was a heck of an effort and a heck of a way to win a basketball game," Samford head coach Mike Morris said. "Emily made a big shot, Monica (Maxwell) made a big shot earlier to tie the game and Megan (Wilderotter) came up with a big offensive rebound. Our whole team got some stops down the stretch to give us a chance to win the game."

The win gave Morris his 100th career win as a head coach, all at Samford.

"This is a credit to all of our players," Morris said. "If you stay in coaching long enough, hopefully you will win some games, but all of the credit goes to our players."

Samford was led in scoring by London and Monica Maxwell with 12 points each. London also had a team-high eight rebounds in the game. Savannah Hill and Megan Wilderotter added eight points each for the Bulldogs.

For UNC Greensboro, Monique Floyd led the way with eight points. Agne Girstautaite led all rebounders with 11 for the game.

Samford jumped out to an early 8-4 lead with 16:01 to go in the first half after a three-pointer by Maxwell. UNC Greensboro fought back to take the lead at 13-11 with 10:49 left in the first half after a layup by Amanda Leigh.

The Spartans pushed their lead out to seven at 21-14 with 5:31 to go in the half. Samford cut the lead to three at 21-18 with 3:15 to go, and UNC Greensboro took a 24-20 lead into halftime.

Director of Athletics Bob Roller presents head coach Mike Morris with a plaque commemorating his 100th career win.

The Spartans pushed their lead out to eight at 28-20 with 18:06 to go in the game, but Samford scored the next five points to cut the lead to three at 28-25 with 15:42 to play after a three-pointer by London.

With Samford trailing, 32-26, the Bulldogs went on an 8-0 run to take a 34-32 lead with 9:04 to play after a pair of free throws by Wilderotter. UNCG scored the next five points in a row to take the lead again at 37-34 with 5:24 to go in the game.

With Samford trailing, 41-38, Maxwell hit a three-pointer with 1:14 to play to tie the score at 41-41. After a Samford missed three-pointer with 26 seconds to go, Wilderotter came up with a key offensive rebound to set the stage for London's game-winning shot.

Samford improves to 8-3 overall and 3-1 in Southern Conference play with the win. UNC Greensboro drops to 6-7 overall and 3-1 in league play.

Samford will return to action on Saturday, Jan. 3, when the Bulldogs play at College of Charleston. The game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. Central start from Charleston, S.C.