Ferrum Captures USA South Women's Basketball Title

(FERRUM, VA) - The 2012 USA South Women's Basketball Tournament finals took place on Sunday, February 26 on the campus of Ferrum College as the top-seeded Panthers defeated second-seeded Christopher Newport University, 82-56, to capture the tournament crown for the second time in the program's history.

Ferrum grabbed an early lead which was quickly erased midway through the first half by CNU. The Panthers then went on a 24-11 run to end the half and take a 35-22 lead into the break. It was more of the same in the second half as Ferrum pulled away for the 26-point win.

Ferrum was led by Tesla Akers who tallied a game-high 23 points with three assists, one rebound and one steal. For her efforts, Akers was named the Tournament's Most Valuable Player. Shea Smith added 16 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists for the Panthers. CNU was led by Tia Perry and Nicole Mitchell who each scored 15 points in the loss.

2012 USA South Women's Basketball All-Tournament Team:

Jackie Lyles - Methodist
Tia Perry - Christopher Newport
Shea Smith - Ferrum
Nicole Mitchell - Christopher Newport
Kristen Keith - Ferrum
Tesla Akers - Ferrum (MVP)

Tournament Website               Tournament Bracket

Women's Basketball Tournament Schedule

First Round - Tuesday, February 21, 2012
#5 N.C. Wesleyan - 60 #4 Methodist - 70
#6 Averett - 60 #3 Greensboro - 80
#7 Shenandoah - 44 #2 Christopher Newport - 59
#8 Mary Baldwin - 60 #1 Ferrum - 84

Semifinals - Friday, February 24, 2012
#4 Methodist - 50 #1 Ferrum - 72
#3 Greensboro - 41 #2 Christopher Newport - 58

Finals - Sunday, February 26, 2012
#2 Christopher Newport - 56   #1 Ferrum - 82