University of Georgia Athletics
University of Georgia
Stetson
Lady Bulldogs Record Program's 900th Win
November 15, 2015 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 15, 2015
ATHENS, Ga. --- Georgia Lady Bulldog Basketball recorded its 900th win in program history Sunday afternoon, opening the season with a 76-55 decision over Stetson. The win also marked the first under new head coach Joni Taylor.
Shacobia Barbee had a triple-double with 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists. She is only the third Lady Bulldog to record a triple-double in Georgia history. Teresa Edwards reached a triple-double in 1986 against Alabama and Tracy Henderson recorded her triple-double in 1995 against Louisville.
Tiaria Griffin led the team in scoring with 21 points, going 9-of-16 from the field and making a pair 3-pointers. Following Griffin was sophomore Mackenzie Engram, who notched her second career double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
"Ever since I got the job, the team has been behind me and supported me," said head coach Joni Taylor. "I'm really proud of them, it's their game, and I tell them all the time, the game is played between the lines. We try to put them in positions where they can be successful, they went out today and played their hearts out for the fans and for the new era in women's basketball, so I'm really excited."
The first few minutes of play saw a trade in leads between Georgia and Stetson. Georgia maintained the lead throughout the rest of the game after a 3-pointer from Griffin with 6:05 left in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter the Bulldogs led the Hatters 20-17.
The Bulldogs and Hatters went back-and-forth in baskets until Georgia started to break away towards the end of the second quarter. Georgia went on a 10-0 run after back-to-back 3-pointers from Amber Skidgel and Barbee put Georgia up 35-24, one of its largest leads of the first half. During the 4:05 run, the Georgia defense held Stetson scoreless, as the Hatters went 0-of-6 from the field. With six different Bulldogs putting points on the board, Georgia led Stetson 39-32 at the half.
Georgia continued its momentum in the third quarter. The Bulldogs outscored the Hatters 22-6, with a great showing from Griffin who had nine points, going 4-for-5 from the field. Georgia led Stetson 61-38 going into the fourth.
Georgia's largest lead came early in the fourth when the Bulldogs were up by 24 after a layup from senior Merritt Hempe, as she finished the day with 16 points. Barbee sealed her triple-double with an assist from Griffin, scoring her final two points with 2:15 left in the game.
Georgia returns to action Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET when the Lady Bulldogs travel to Michigan State to take on the Spartans.
