By Brackin Lambert
uscbathletics.com
BLUFFTON — Janiyah Heyward notched a career-high 31 points while picking up her first collegiate double-double with 13 boards, and Brielle Bartelt found her shot, scoring 23 as the Sand Sharks started the final portion of their non-conference home schedule in grand style, knocking off visiting Regent, 85-70, Saturday afternoon at the Cove.
“Very proud of the way we played today,” USCB coach Sharon Versyp said. “A little sluggish there in the first quarter, but we were able to find the groove in the second with a 12-0 run and put together a solid victory over a good Royal team.”
The Sand Sharks had contributions throughout, as Mahkayla Premo scored 11 while dishing out four assists and Shaniya Rose handed out a team-high seven assists.
Heyward was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field to open the game as the Sand Sharks jumped out to a 9-5 lead. But the Royals tied it on a rare four-point play and took the lead thanks to a flurry of baskets from Jabarria Brown.
Regent held a lead as large as nine midway through, but Beaufort used a 12-3 run through the final three-plus minutes to take a four-point lead into the break. Heyward scored eight of her team-high 21 points during the run and both Premo and Madison Self added baskets.
USCB extended its lead to double-figures after a 14-8 run to open the quarter and Bartelt’s triple from the corner made it a 13-point game. The Sand Sharks outscored the Royals 29-17 in the third led by Bartelt’s 11.
Beaufort wraps up the non-conference schedule next Saturday against New College of Florida. Tip is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Cove.
