BALL MOVEMENT PREVAILS IN WARRIOR WIN OVER LOURDES

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - The Warriors (8-8, 5-5) had five players score in double figures to snap a three-game skid, defeating the Lourdes Gray Wolves (5-10, 3-7) 88-78 in Garth Pleasant Arena on Saturday, Jan. 13.

Leading Rochester was forward Melanie Moore, who logged a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Imari Martin also logged a double-double, scoring 12 while dishing out ten assists. Rochester's bench provided an important boost with 37 points. Lourdes was led by guard Emma Pedroza, who scored 17 off the bench.

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• Lourdes started the game strong, beginning with a 9-3 lead. However, the Warriors quickly recovered thanks to a slew of hustle plays by Moore. An and-one by guard Shahd Bakkar gave Rochester a lead that it held for the rest of the game
• Guard Dakotah Krohn got another and-one for Rochester to start the second quarter, and the Warriors capitalized on the momentum after Martin found forward Jacey Somers for an open three. Somers would score again behind an assist from guard Celeste Mershimer

SECOND HALF

• Rochester had an explosive start to the third quarter behind a tough shot from Martin. Martin made another great play shortly after, dishing to forward Ashley Loon for a three-ball. Loon hit again shortly after, thanks to a pass from Somers
• Despite the Gray Wolves' adjustment to a 2-3 zone, Rochester utilized ball movement to keep the defense moving and leave openings. However, the Gray Wolves crept back in behind a few turnovers from Rochester. Martin and Moore ensured that the game stayed out of reach with critical baskets to end the game

POSTGAME PRESSER

Head Coach Jared Ocampo had this to say on the win:

"I thought we did a good job sharing the basketball today. We attacked the gaps well and found a lot more high-percentage shots. We showcased a balanced attack. We were ready to play uptempo but knew a zone would be thrown at us to slow us down.

Lourdes did a good job mixing it up on us, and I thought we capitalized on the opportunities we created for ourselves. Very proud of the resiliency our girls displayed today."

STAT OF THE GAME

Moore's 12 rebounds on Saturday afternoon marked nine straight games where the forward has grabbed at least seven rebounds.

UP NEXT

Rochester will travel to Lima, Ohio, to face the Northwestern Ohio Racers (5-11, 1-9) on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 5:30 p.m.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics