PULASKI, Tenn. – Erin Freeman poured in 30 points as the Martin Methodist Women's Basketball team grinded out a 71-66 victory versus Cumberland (Tenn.) Wednesday night in the Curry Christian Life Center.
In a game that featured seven ties and four lead changes, the RedHawks (2-1) gutted out the win down the stretch thanks to sharp free-throw shooting and timely rebounding.
But the story of the contest was Freeman's performance as the sophomore posted a career-high 30 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the floor and 11-of-15 from the free-throw line. It was that kind of night for Freeman, whose lone 3-point attempt came late in a possession and banked home off the backboard.
The 30-point effort is the first 30-point game since RedHawk great Vee Young achieved the feat back on Feb. 4, 2012 versus Union University.
Freeman nearly grabbed a double-double as the sophomore also tracked down eight rebounds and added four steals defensively.
Faith Sherrow and Lacey Reed flanked Freeman in the scoring column, turning in 14 and 12, respectively. Reed also tracked down nine rebounds as the RedHawks held a lopsided 47-27 edge on the glass.
RedHawk point guard Brooklyn Blanchard was held to just three points on the night, but she handed out a game-high five assists in the victory.
In all, 11 players played for the RedHawks, who are in the midst of a five games in seven days swing to start the season.
Last Saturday, the RedHawks opened their year with a 77-71 win at Harris-Stowe State (Mo.). The RedHawks remained on the road Tuesday with an 84-77 loss at Bryan (Tenn.).
The RedHawks now close the week with two exhibition contests versus NCAA Division I and Division II foes.
On Friday, the RedHawks head to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to take on Middle Tennessee State.
Saturday sees the RedHawks travel to Jackson, Tennessee for a showdown versus Union University.
The RedHawks will then enjoy five days of rest before they host two ballgames next weekend (Nov. 8, Nov. 9) versus University of Pikeville (Ky.) and Campbellsville (Ky.) in the SSAC/Mid-South Conference Crossover Challenge.
