Atkins scores 29, Saints snap 3-game skid

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 29, 2014 11:23 PM

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"I wanted to get my teammates involved in the offense," Atkins said.

Backcourt mate Cierra Thompson scored 11 points, while fellow starter Faith Gurley contributed seven points and four rebounds. Ana McNair supplied six points.

Iyahna Bess logged five points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.

"I thought our girls played great tonight, a lot better compared to the last three games we've had," SW head coach Ricky Lofton said. "Z played an outstanding game. Everybody got on the boards, played hard and played with a lot of intensity.

"It was just a lot better."

Southern Wayne led 18-13 after one quarter.

Atkins harassed Goldsboro's defense with her ability to drive and drain either short pull-up jumpers or grab her own rebound after a missed shot. Thompson got into the scoring act as well with seven points as the Saints seized command with a 19-3 run that lasted 4 1/2 minutes.

"Z was just looking to shoot the ball and put more pressure on them (defensively)," a smiling Lofton said. "(In the second half) Z really made good decisions about giving up the ball to open girls. She made our offense look a lot better."

Goldsboro (1-1 overall) never found an offensive rhythm and struggled to finish around the basket. Junior Tyona Moses, who is chasing 1,000 career points, scored 17 points -- but played frustrated throughout the non-conference affair.

Markia Garner added 11 points, including nine in the fourth quarter. Destini Covington scored 14 points, which included an 8 of 10 effort from the free throw line. The returning point guard distributed five assists and picked the Saints for three steals.