Tigerville, S.C.— Timisty Nelson posted her second double double of the season with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and two other Crusaders scored in double figures, as the NGU women’s basketball team cruised past Lees-McRae 89-55 on senior night.

Alisha Hope led all scorers with 21 points to go along with six rebounds, and Tyler Powers added 11 points. It was also a solid night for NGU’s two seniors. Landrie Fox scored eight points and Rashmi Vanhook added six. The Crusaders shot a season high 54.7% from the field, including an impressive 60.6% in the first half.

The Crusaders left little doubt about the outcome of the game in the first seven minutes of the game setting the tone with a 22-6 run. The Bobcats worked their way back into the game however, answering with a run of their own, to cut NGU’s once double-digit lead to 22-13, with 12:06 left in the opening frame. NGU would cut the comeback short however and would lead by 27 at intermission.

NGU’s lead did not dip into single digits for the rest of the game. The Bobcats cut North Greenvillle’s lead to 19 twice in the second half of play, but could not pull any closer, due in part to a cold night shooting. The Bobcats shot just 25.7% from the field during Tuesday’s contest, including a 17.6% percent performance from three. The Crusaders also helped turning 15 LMC turnovers into 25 points.

North Greenville’s bench was also solid, outscoring the Bobcat’s bench 31-11. The Bobcats were lead by Kabrina Truesdale who scored 17 points while also leading the team with eight rebounds. Also in double-figures for LMC was Leyana De Souza who scored 12. Alyssa Munson added eight to the LMC total.

The Crusaders would lead by as many as 36 during Tuesday’s game, as they cruised to their 9^th Conference Carolinas win of the season, setting a showdown with King University on March 1^st, for the final conference playoff spot. NGU is now 11-14 overall and 11-14 on the season.

The winner of the NGU and King on Friday night will determine the 8^th seed in the league tournament. The Crusaders beat king earlier in the season in Tigerville. Tipoff for Friday night’s crucial conference show down is set for 5:30 in Bristol, Tennessee.