Greenville, S.C.----The NCAA Division II number 21 Wingate University women's basketball team (24-4 overall) faces Anderson University (20-9 overall) in the semifinals of the South Atlantic Conference tournament Saturday afternoon in Furman University's Timmons Arena (ESPN3 video; live statistics; SAC Championship Central). Tip-off is slated for 2:30 p.m.
 
The winner will face the Carson-Newman/Lincoln Memorial winner for the league's automatic qualification to the NCAA Division II women's basketball tournament. The SAC women's basketball tournament championship game is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
South Atlantic Conference women's basketball final four (March 3-4)
Timmons Arena, Furman University
Greenville, S.C.
 
WINGATE NOTES
 
-The two teams split the regular season series, both taking home court victories. Anderson won 63-53 on Jan. 6, while Wingate claimed a 67-58 decision on Senior Day Feb. 17.
-WU senior center Marta Miscenko (Riga, Latvia) is the SAC Co-Player of the Year. Miscenko is a first team All-SAC selection as well. Two WU teammates earn second team All-SAC laurels: junior guard Caroline Averette (Midlothian, Va.) and junior forward Danasia Witherspoon (Hickory, N.C.).
-Miscenko leads the Bulldogs with 16.3 points per game, 7.7 rebounds per game and 2.7 blocks per game. Averette (13.4 points per game) and Witherspoon (10.2 points per game) also average double figures.
-Wingate's 65-42 quarterfinal victory over Newberry Wednesday was the Bulldogs' 22nd in a row at home. The Bulldogs are a perfect 15-0 overall at home this season.
-The Bulldogs are the two-time defending SAC tournament champions. Wingate defeated Lincoln Memorial 81-61 to win the 2017 crown and Anderson 67-61 to take the 2016 title.
 
WINGATE SAC QUICK FACTS
 
-Wingate has won 11 SAC regular season championships and nine SAC tournament crowns.
-Wingate leads the SAC with 15 appearances in the NCAA Division II national tournament.
-The Bulldogs have an overall NCAA tourney record of 15-15 with Elite Eight appearances in 1995, 1996 and 2008.
 
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
 
Wingate head women's basketball coach Ann Hancock: "For basketball teams, this is the best time of the year. It's the goal you talk about and work for the entire year. We are excited to have advanced to the semifinals. Anderson is a tough opponent and will be a challenge for sure. It will take our best effort to move on to the finals. They know us and what we do, so it will come down to who can execute and make plays on both ends of the floor."
 
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
A comprehensive, independent and growing university, Wingate serves more than 3,600 students in North Carolina. Founded in 1896, the University offers 37 undergraduate majors as well as graduate and professional programs. Wingate is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences, the Levine College of Health Sciences, the Byrum School of Business, the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. Wingate blends in-class exploration with out-of-class application to deliver an uncommon and life-changing educational experience.
 
In addition to a robust intramural athletics program, Wingate student athletes compete in 22 NCAA Division II sports. The University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past 11 years. Wingate is first in the 2000s among NCAA Division II and North Carolina's colleges and universities with 99 CoSIDA Academic All-America® selections. Wingate is tops among all SAC schools with 108 lifetime Academic All-America® honorees. For more information on WU athletics, go to www.wingatebulldogs.com. Current news and videos can be found at www.wingate.edu.