WILSON, N.C. – The Barton women's basketball team (6-0, 2-0), ranked No. 17 in NCAA Division II, stayed perfect on the season with a 57-56 victory over Emmanuel (2-5, 2-2) Friday evening in a Conference Carolinas game at Wilson Gymnasium.
Barton sophomore guard
Lauren Walker (Charlotte, N.C.) came through with a game-high 20 points as the Bulldogs overcame a 19-9 deficit at the end of the first quarter to take the win.
Senior guard
Akira Wiggins (Knightdale, N.C.) added 14 points as the Bulldogs forced the Lions into 22 turnovers including one with 22 seconds left with the home team leading by a 55-54 score. Walker sank a pair of three throws with 16 seconds left and a game-tying three rimmed out on Emmanuel's final possession.
For the Lions, Jazmin Allen (Jefferson, Ga.) finished with a team-high 18 points in addition to 15 rebounds and the Lions connected on 21-of-26 free throw attempts despite the loss. Senior center and All-American
Shanika Peterkin (Virginia Beach, Va.) added a double-double – 10 points and 11 rebounds – for the Bulldogs, who have won 19 straight games at home dating back to 2019-20.
In the next round of Conference Carolinas games on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m., Barton hosts Belmont Abbey while Emmanuel (Ga.) faces Chowan in Murfreesboro, N.C.
