By Horace Billings

Salisbury Post

A perfect basketball game?

That may not be possible, but Ingrid Easter of Catawba’s women’s team could make a claim to that kind of performance.

The senior guard, turned in a flawless shooting night and sparked Catawba to an 81-56 SAC victory over Tusculum at Goodman Gym on Wednesday.

Easter made all seven of her attempts from the field, including 2-for-2 from the 3-point line, and added 5-for-5 foul shooting.

She finished with a career-high 21 points and game scoring honors.

The Indians (12-3, 2-1) bounced back into the win column following a loss to Wingate on Monday.

Tusculum, which came in tied for the SAC lead, dropped to 3-1 in the league and 11-4 overall.

The Indians probably turned in their best effort so far, especially in the second half when they made 65.5 percent of their shots (19-for- 29) and outscored Tusculum 52-24.

Catawba had to come from behind to earn the impressive win. The Indians trailed by as many as 10 points in the first half. They cut the margin to 32-30 at halftime. Then they outscored Tusculum by 27 points in the second half with their blazing offensive performance.

‘We did a great job in the second half,” Catawba coach Angie Morton said. “We played smarter on offense and defense. We really shot the basketball well. It was good to win.”

Easter had 19 of her 21 points in the second half.

Ne’Keithia Howard followed with 19, including 11 in the first half. Tamekia Foster added 12 points.

Shantee Shank led Tusculum with 19 points.

Catawba went on a 17-4 roll to take charge early in the second half.

TUSCULUM (56) — Shank 19, Martin 14, Lakey 6, Ramsey 4, Neves 4, French 3, Oliver 3, Barta 2, Underwood 1.

CATAWBA (81) — Easter 21, Howard 19, Foster 12, Baxter 8, Muldrow 6, Colombo 4, LoSauro 4, Hampton 2, Tackett 2, Clark 2, Bartlett 1, Higgins, Whitley.

Tusculum 32 24 — 56

Catawba 30 51 — 81