FERRUM, Va. - In a very competitive and physical battle, Ferrum College was able to hold onto a 75-62 USA South Women's Basketball Tournament semi-final win over Methodist University tonight at Swartz Gymnasiusm.

Methodist opened the first half with a strong 19-11 run. Ferrum was able to claw its way back and tie the game with 30 seconds left in the half. A steal by Shea Smith would eventually draw a foul, and Smith would make both free-throws to give the Panthers a 40-38 lead headed into the break.

In the second half, Ferrum jumped out to a quick 8-2 run. Although it was a very physical and tough half, Ferrum (25-2) was able to hold on to clinch a spot in tomorrow's USA South Women's Basketball Tournament championship game. Jacole Hairston led the Panthers with 17 points, while Shea Smith contributed 16 points and led the floor with seven assists. Kemani Crawford was also in double-digit scoring with 12 points. Kylene Culler was able to pick up a game high 15 rebounds.

For Methodist (16-11), Chandler Christensen and Jackie Lyles had 18 points each, while Monique Lofton and Ayanna Pegues had 12 and 10 points, respectively. Ferrum, the USA South North Division champions, will face Maryville College, the USA South South Division champions, Saturday in the title game, set to begin at 2:00 p.m. in Swartz Gym.


2014 USA South Women's Basketball Tournament

Quarterfinals - Thursday, February 27
#2 North-Greensboro - 58 #3 South-LaGrange - 68
#1 South-Maryville - 70 #4 North-N.C. Wesleyan - 63
#2 South-Piedmont - 51 #3 North-Methodist - 77
#1 North-Ferrum - 79 #5 North-Meredith - 53

Semifinals - Friday, February 28
#3 South-LaGrange - 46 #1 South-Maryville - 69
#3 North-Methodist - 62 #1 North-Ferrum - 75

Finals - Saturday, March 1
#1 South-Maryville vs. #1 North-Ferrum - 2:00 pm