WILSON, N.C. – The Barton women's basketball team (25-1, 21-1) ran its winning streak to 19 games with a 79-60 victory over UNC Pembroke (18-9, 16-7) Tuesday evening in the final regular season home game and a Conference Carolinas showdown at Wilson Gymnasium. Barton is ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division II.
Barton was led, once again, by its post players: senior center
Shanika Peterkin (Virginia Beach, Va.) and senior forward
Jami Tham (Arlington, Va.). Peterkin, the reigning conference and national player of the week, finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds while Tham also tallied a double-double – 21 points and 19 rebounds – as the Bulldogs won their most games in 11 years.
Peterkin scored 17 of his 24 points in the first half and moved into sole possession of third place on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,771 points.
Barton jumped out to a 42-33 halftime advantage then broke the contest open with 23 points in the third quarter to sweep the season series from the Braves. Senior guard
Akira Wiggins (Knightdale, N.C.) added 14 points for the Bulldogs, who held a 54-28 advantage on the boards in the win.
UNC Pembroke was led by Alcenia Purnell (Wake Forest, N.C.) with 12 points in the losing effort. The Braves hit just three-of-17 three-point attempts as well.
Barton travels to Banner Elk, N.C., to take on Lees-McRae in the regular season finale on Thursday beginning at 5:00 p.m., while UNC Pembroke hosts North Greenville on Thursday at 5:00 p.m., as well. The Bulldogs have already clinched the Conference Carolinas Regular Season Championship and will be the top seed in next week's league tournament championship.
