Ivanovic's late basket gives Catawba SAC-opening win over Carson-Newman

SALISBURY, NC -- Milica Ivanovic (Belgrade, SERBIA/Sports High/Bethel) hit a go-ahead layup with seven seconds to play then stole the ensuing inbounds pass as Catawba claimed a 68-65 win over visiting Carson-Newman to open South Atlantic Conference women’s basketball action on Saturday afternoon at Goodman Gym. The Catawba Indians improve to 5-4 overall and 1-0 in the SAC, while the Lady Eagles fall to 3-4 and 0-1.

Carson-Newman had battled back, getting jumpers from Katlin Moore (Fort Mill, SC), with just under a minute to play, and Mandy Mendenhall (Kingston Springs, TN), with 16 seconds remaining, to grab a 65-64 lead. Ivanovic put the Lady Indians back on top and Anna Dellapenta (Thomasville, NC/E. Davidson HS/Elon) sealed the win, hitting a pair of free throws with two seconds left.

Ivanovic posted a double-double for Catawba, scoring 20 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. She also recorded five steals. Dana Hicks (York, SC/Gaston Day) collected her eighth consecutive double-double with a game-high 21 points and 10 boards.

Mendenhall tallied 19 points to lead Carson-Newman, while Courdne Miles (Burlington, NC) followed with 17 points and seven rebounds. Candis Clear (Memphis, TN) had 10 points.

Carson-Newman held the largest lead by either team at 22-14 midway through the first half. Catawba rallied back and closed the half on a 9-2 run to go on top 37-36 at the break. Catawba enjoyed its biggest lead midway through the second half at 56-50.

The Lady Eagles held a slight shooting edge over Catawba, 44% to 41%, but Carson-Newman committed 22 turnovers to just 15 for the Lady Indians. Rebounding was virtually even with the Lady Eagles grabbing a 40-39 advantage.