WARRIORS GET BIG WIN AT LAWRENCE TECH

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - Two big-time performances from veteran guards Imari Martin and Celeste Mershimer helped Rochester (12-10, 9-7) earn an important 72-59 victory over the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils (10-12, 8-8) on Saturday afternoon.

The pair combined for 42 points in the contest and made big plays on both ends of the floor; Mershimer pulled down four offensive rebounds, while Martin logged three steals. Also making an impact was center Melanie Moore, who pulled down 11 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end.

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• The first quarter was very even statistically, with the teams trading baskets. Martin and Mershimer helped set up key baskets for the Warriors, including a three by forward Jacey Somers from Martin followed by a Mershimer steal and dime to forward Grace Lodes that led to an and-one
• The Warriors built separation in the second quarter thanks to Martin going 4-5 from the field. While shooting 53% from the field, the Warriors held Lawrence Tech to under 30% behind great interior defense and savvy on-ball defense. Rochester forced six turnovers in the quarter

SECOND HALF

• While the team cooled off offensively, Rochester kept up the strong defense and limited their own turnovers. Mershimer had a great all-around quarter, recording a 6-4-3 stat line, while Martin continued to score at an elite level. Rochester's lead ballooned to as much as 21
• The teams returned to trading baskets in the fourth quarter, but Martin, Moore, and Mershimer kept the Blue Devils at bay. Moore grabbed two important offensive rebounds that led to points for Rochester, while Martin forced two turnovers to close out the game

STAT OF THE GAME

Rochester made its bread in the paint, out-scoring the Blue Devils 42-17 in that category.

UP NEXT

Rochester returns for a home stretch, first facing the Madonna Crusaders on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. in Garth Pleasant Arena.

Hussein Murray - RU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - RU Athletics