Women's Basketball | 2/9/2022 9:35:00 PM
Box Score Ottawa, Kan. – The McPherson College women's basketball team improved to 15-12 on the season, and 12-9 in conference play, picking up an important road win on Wednesday evening over the Ottawa University Braves 84-75.
The Bulldogs struggled all night with Ottawa's athleticism and quickness, allowing the Braves numerous easy looks at the rim. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, they were better on the offensive end of the floor. The Bulldogs won all four quarters, beginning with a huge first quarter, out-scoring the Braves 30-26. They increased their lead in the second quarter, winning the period 19-17, and heading into the locker room at the break up six, 49-43.
After the intermission both teams cooled down tremendously from the field. The Bulldog defense was better, holding the Braves to just 37% shooting from the floor. The MC offense cooled down as well, after they shot 50% in the opening half, the second frame saw them shoot just 35%. Still they were able to increase their lead, winning the 3rd quarter 19-17 and went into the final 10 minutes up 68-60.
In the final stanza, the Bulldogs held their ground on defense, and extended their lead to 12 points, their largest of the game, with 8:32 left on the clock. Brittany Roberts fouled out with just over five minutes remaining, leaving the Bulldogs without their leading scorer. The rest of the ladies, especially TiJanae' Simmons, who scored 15 points, stepped up and they ended up winning the last period 16-15, to secure a nine point win, spoiling senior night for the Braves in the process.
Key Statistic
The Bulldogs shot 91% from the free throw line, making 24 of their 26 attempts.
By the Numbers
The Bulldogs ended up shooting 42% from the floor making 30 of 64 shots.
From deep, MC hit 8 of 17 (four of them by TiJanae' Simmons).
The Bulldogs lost the turnover battle 14-10, but out-rebounded the Braves 41-35.
Bulldog Leaders
Points: Brittany Roberts (18)
Rebounds: TiJanae' Simmons (8)
Assists: Three Bulldogs (3)
Steals: Ja'Kia Wells (2)
Blocks: Brittany Roberts, Tatum Griffin (1)
Coaches Quote:
"Offensively couldn't ask for much more. Balanced scoring with 13 assist on 26 made baskets. Defensively a better job in the second half of making them work for baskets. Brittany, Kai, Vic, TJ, and Madelyn were big all night, but Dy'mond closed it out for us from the line. KB didn't have the big numbers, but defensively she had to carry the load trying to slow down #45 for Ottawa. A big SR night coming up on Saturday to keep our momentum going."– Coach Nichols
Next Up
The Bulldogs have now won three in a row. They will be back in the friendly confines of the Sport Center this Saturday, hosting the Southwestern College Moundbuilders on Senior Night.
