FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11-18-06

Women's College Basketball: AASU 64, Eckerd 59

SAVANNAH, Ga. – – Juniors Kaneetha Gordon and Tana Griffiths each poured in 19 points to lead Armstrong Atlantic to a season-opening 64-59 victory over visiting Eckerd on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Arena.

The Lady Pirates (1-0) led by 10 at halftime over the Tritons, 35-25, but Eckerd (1-1) climbed to within one point on two separate occasions in the second half – Eckerd’s Jamie Massey canned a three-pointer with 8:18 left to make the score 48-47.  Gordon responded with back-to-back baskets, then Griffiths canned a three-pointer to extend the lead back to eight, 55-47, and AASU held on for the victory.

Gordon registered a double-double with 19 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the floor and a game-high 12 rebounds, while Griffiths set a new career high with her 19 points coming on 6-of-15 shooting from the floor, including 4-of-12 three-pointers.

Eckerd’s Gabby Gattuso led all players on the afternoon with 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting from the floor. Kristi Moore chipped in 11 points for the Tritons.

AASU outrebounded the Tritons, 42-33, and forced 24 turnovers by Eckerd. The Pirates committed 22 turnovers themselves and hit just 8-of-32 three-pointers as a team.

AASU returns to action on Tuesday, November 21, as the Pirates visit Lenoir-Rhyne for a 6:00 p.m. matchup with the Bears. Eckerd is next in action on Wednesday, November 22, as the Tritons host Puerto Rico-Mayaguez at 3:00 p.m.

- Pirates -