Catawba College Women’s Basketball team headed to Elite 8 after Monday night win

SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) - The Catawba College Women’s Basketball team won the biggest game in program history on Monday night inside Goodman Gym, as they beat Georgia Southwestern 75-65 to claim the Southeast Regional Championship. It’s their first ever regional title and first ever trip to the Elite Eight.

“I’m so proud of these ladies,” coach Terrence McCutcheon told Ken Anderson on Memories Radio immediately following the game. “They came out and responded, I’m just so proud, so proud of them.”

Lyrik Thorne poured in 33 points to lead the Indians and was named Player of the Game.

“She had a banner year in the conference, she’s been able to step up all year in big games,” McCutcheon said. “In the biggest games she has her best games.”

Thorne got some help from team mate Janiya Downs who finished with 20 points and was named to the all-regional team.

Those 2 were a part of a huge 4th quarter as the Indians outscored the Hurricanes 24-6 in the final period.

That needed that output after being outscored in the 3rd quarter 25-12 and falling behind by 10.

The Indians now advance to play in the Elite Eight next week in Saint Joseph, MO.

Last week Thorne was named South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year, McCutcheon was named SAC Coach of the Year. Janiya Downs earned Second Team All-SAC while fellow senior guard Sara McIntosh was named to the third team.

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