The Georgia Southern University women’s basketball celebrated Senior Day and participated in their final home game of the season snapping a seven game losing streak and earning their 200th Southern Conference win against foe UNC Greensboro on Monday at 7pm.

The seniors honored during Monday’s game were guard Janay Wilson and guard Samantha Williams, who were given flowers and a plaque and a commemorative basketball in honor of their efforts they have given to the team during their past four years at Georgia Southern.

The Lady Eagles came into the contest with a 3-14 record in the conference, with their most recent game ending in a 30-point loss to Elon on Saturday.  UNC Greensboro came into the contest with a 2-15 conference record after experiencing a 60-54 win against College of Charleston that snapped a 9-game losing streak for the Spartans.  The last meeting between GSU and UNC Greensboro ended in a one-point GSU loss on the road, and it is the first time the teams have met this season in Hanner Fieldhouse.

Coming fresh off of Saturday’s loss the Lady Eagles came out on the court ready to play.  Meredyth Frye opened the game with a three-pointer and the Lady Eagles were able to take her momentum and form it into a 14-10 lead over the Spartans during the next six minutes of the first half.  The Lady Eagles were then trailing the Spartans by one with 9:32 left in the game but were able to take the advantage with a 12-1 run.  Janay Wilson hit a jumper with 5:09 left in the game, allowing GSU to gain a ten-point lead.  The Lady Eagles were able to ride out their lead and ended the first half with a 34-23 lead.

Seniors Wilson and Williams experienced nine and six points respectively; contributing to half of the Lady Eagles point achieved during the first half.  Frye also contributed to the effort with two three-pointers and five more points to give her a total of 11 points for the first half.

“Tonight showed what kind of team I thought they could be," said head coach Rusty Cram. "Every coach knows it. When you are losing, attitudes change, you lose your confidence and you do not believe in yourself."

The Lady Eagles came back in the second half ready to play, opening the second half with a layup by Wilson that led to a 7-2 run, giving GSU a 16 point lead over the Spartans.

With 14:37 left to play senior S Williams made her fourth three-pointer of the night, putting the Lady Eagles on top 46-27.  The Spartans managed to pull within ten points with two minutes left in the game at 53-43 but free throws by Frye pulled the Lady Eagles ahead by 12. GSU was able to ride out the win and pull out a 59-47 victory over the Spartans.

“We were all disappointed with our performance [last game] and it was embarrassing but to be able to come back and get this win is very important especially going into the tournament”, said Samantha Williams.

“We knew they would come back they are an athletic team but it is easier to handle them when you have control of the game”, said Cram.

Notable players of the game included guard Frye, who scored 17 points, including two three-pointers.  Also Williams and Wilson scored 12 and 13 points respectively, including four three-pointers from Williams.

The Lady Eagles hit the road on Saturday the 25 to take on Western Carolina at 4:30pm and then face rival Furman on Monday the 27 at 7pm in the final game of the season.  The Lady Eagles will then participate in the Southern Conference tournament beginning March 2 in Asheville, North Carolina.