Winthrop University women’s basketball opened its season with a 57-46 victory over Newberry on Monday, using a decisive 10-0 third-quarter run to take control of the game.
The Eagles held an 11-8 advantage after the first quarter, limiting the Wolves to 4-of-18 shooting and forcing eight turnovers. Winthrop maintained its lead through the second quarter despite being outscored 17-15, taking a narrow 26-25 advantage into halftime.
Newberry moved ahead 33-30 in the third quarter before Winthrop responded with its game-changing run. The Eagles forced five turnovers during the stretch, with a fastbreak layup by Ruff giving Winthrop a 34-33 lead. The run extended the advantage to 40-33, and the Eagles carried a 44-38 lead into the final period.
Winthrop closed out the victory with a strong defensive performance in the fourth quarter, holding Newberry to just two field goals on 10 attempts. The Eagles also forced five turnovers without committing one of their own. Winthrop’s bench contributed 10 of the team’s 13 points in the period, including six from Ryiah Wilson.
Ruff led the Eagles with 15 points, six rebounds and four steals. Wilson added eight points, six rebounds and three steals, while Bush-Lewis finished with 10 points. Taylor contributed nine points, seven rebounds, five steals and three assists. Guilera added seven points and eight rebounds.
Winthrop travels to Athens, Georgia, on Thursday, Nov. 5, to face Georgia at 7 p.m.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
