ANDERSON, SC — The Francis Marion University women's basketball team began their abbreviated 2020-21 season on the road with last-minute added non-conference matchup against Anderson University on Jan. 2. Despite strong performances by senior forward Kiana Adderton and freshman guard Aniyah Oliver, the Patriots fell 67-49 at the Abney Athletic Center. 
 
A preseason first-team All-PBC selection, Adderton led the Patriots with 17 points to go along with team-highs in rebounds (11) and steals (2), marking her first double-double of the season. Oliver, a Goose Creek, S.C., native, scored 13 points in her debut for the Patriots. She was 5-of-13 from the field, including 2-of-6 from behind tha three-point arc, while leading the team in assists (3). Scarlett Gilmore was next among Patriot scorers with five points.  The contest was only added to the FMU schedule 24 hours before tip-off.
 
Anderson (5-3) was led by Samantha Michel who came off the bench to tally a team-high 10 points and 10 rebounds. She was followed by Taylor Hair with nine points and eight rebounds, and Brittany Bailey with eight points and eight rebounds.
 
FMU opened with the game's first bucket, but never really got it going as the Trojans jumped out to an early 21-10 lead in the first quarter. The second quarter was defined by strong defense as the Patriots headed into halftime down 33-19. The Patriots came out of the locker room strong, battling back-and-forth with the Trojans, but couldn't overcome the first-half deficit.
 
Francis Marion will head on the road to the Sunshine state on Wednesday afternoon (3 p.m.) to open up conference play at Flagler College, before returning to Florence for the home opener against Georgia Southwestern State University on Saturday at 1:30 pm. 
 
For the latest news and updates regarding Francis Marion women's basketball, follow the Patriots on Twitter at @FMUSports, on Facebook at FMUSports, and Instagram at @FMUSports or check out information online at www.fmupatriots.com.