JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - On Thursday night the ETSU Women's Basketball team flexed their offensive muscles shooting a season-high 57.4 percent en route to a 89-73 victory over UNC-Greensboro.
Sophomore Tianna Tarter continued her outstanding play pouring in a career-high 33 points in the victory. The sophomore guard also poured in six steals and six assists. In the last three games, Tarter has averaged 27.6 points per game.
To start the game junior Shamauria Bridges scored five of the first seven points for ETSU as they jumped out to a quick 7-4 lead. The Bucs relinquished the lead midway through the first quarter as they went just 2-of-8 from the field.
ETSU regained the lead and never looked back to end the first quarter going on a 14-2 run and making their last five field goals in the final three minutes of the quarter. The run was highlighted by back-to-back three pointers from Bridges and Tarter.
Highlighting the second quarter was Bridges who drained an NBA-range three from the top of the key with the shot clock winding down to give ETSU a 14-point advantage over the Spartans. The Bucs kept the lead at double-digits as they made four of five from the field midway through the quarter while the Spartans shot just 2-of-8. ETSU took a 49-33 lead into halftime, with the 49 points being the most points scored by the Bucs in a half this season.
A slow start doomed both teams in the third quarter as there was a combined five points scored through the first four minutes of action. UNCG was unable to get their way out of cold shooting going 5-of-19 in the third while ETSU jumped out to a 20-point lead.
Down the stretch the Buccaneers were able to fend off the Spartans who made a run towards the end of the game however ETSU came away with the 89-73 win. The victory moved the Bucs to 10-8 on the season, clinching their 15th double-digit win season in the last 21 years. ETSU also moved to 2-1 in SoCon play.
Overall, forced the Spartans to commit 16 turnovers resulting in 25 points for the Bucs. Off the bench the Blue & Gold got production from freshman who scored 10 points to go along with six rebounds. Overall, five different ETSU players scored in double figures along while scoring 46 points in the paint.
ETSU returns home on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2:00 p.m to host the Catamounts of Western Carolina.