Box Score Story by: Mike Bennett
LEXINGTON, Ky.–Senior Alex McKenzie became the eighth player in Transylvania University women's basketball history to tally 1,000 points and 500 rebounds, as the 15th ranked Pioneers topped Anderson University in a dominating 98-51 win Saturday at the Clive M. Beck Center.
McKenzie hit the 1,000 point mark with a three-pointer in the second half, accompanying her 688 career rebounds.
As the game opened, the Ravens took an 8-0 lead just two minutes into the game, but the Pioneer defense turned up the pressure and forced nine turnovers in the half, holding Anderson to just 33 percent shooting (10-of-30) in the first half. Following the Ravens' 8-0 run to open the game, Transylvania allowed just 15 more points in the half, taking a 45-23 lead into the locker room.
In the half, the Pioneers were paced by the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's leading scorer, Katelyn Smith. Smith finished the half with 19 points, as Nicole Coffman and Chelsea Pharris each added five points in the half.
The highlight of the second half was a McKenzie three-pointer at the 13:12 mark. The basket from behind-the-arc gave the senior 1,000 points for her career and 688 rebounds. Following the milestone basket, McKenzie took a seat on the bench, but the Pioneers continued to dominate as Transylvania cruised to a 98-51 win and remained perfect in Heartland Conference play.
For the game, the Pioneers (20-1, 14-0 HCAC) were led by Smith's 19 points. McKenzie finished with 13 points, as Coffman added a dozen points, and Pharris also hit double-figures with 10 points. The Transylvania bench saw extended action and accounted for 47 Pioneer points on the day.
The Pioneers return to action at the Clive M. Beck Center on Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. against Franklin College.
