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American Defeats UNC Asheville in Opener
Chanel Spriggs leads way with 15 points

Chanel Spriggs led the way with 15 points vs. UNC Ashville.

Nov. 21, 2003 | Box Score

WASHINGTON - The American University women’s basketball team opened up the 2003-04 campaign with a 52-48 victory over UNC Asheville. Chanel Spriggs (Sunderland, Md./Northern/St. Mary’s [Md.]) led the way with 15 points on six-of-11 shooting, and also dished out four assists and recorded four steals.

The Bulldogs went on a 6-1 run to take a 45-44 lead with just 4:15 remaining, but Chanel Hunt (Raleigh, N.C./Ravenscroft) stepped up big. Hunt had picked up her third foul at 9:42 in the first half and was forced to sit for the rest of the half. However, with less than three minutes remaining, Hunt iced the game for the Eagles when she registered three straight steals. The steals helped AU extend its lead from one to five points. The thefts all occurred in just a minute and fifteen seconds (from 2:58-1:43). For the game Hunt managed five points, seven rebounds and six steals in 25 minutes of action.

American finished the first half up just four points, 27-23, but built the lead to seven points early in the second half. However, UNC Asheville went on an 8-0 run and took the lead with 11:15 remaining (35-34) on a layup by Shantell Waiters. After both teams traded baskets, Angel McNatt (Adelphia, Md./High Point/Montgomeryy Junior College) nailed a three-pointer to give AU the lead at 7:37. McNatt helped the Eagles add to the lead on the very next possession when she fed Kim Salem (Oakville, Ontario/St. Thomas Aquinas) for a short jumper. Salem finished with nine points and four rebounds in 28 minutes of action.

American returns to action on Nov. 23 at 4 p.m. when they host cross-town rival Howard University. The Bison enter the game 0-1.