WARRIOR DEFENSE NEUTRALIZES DEFIANCE IN 72-56 WIN
The freezing weather didn't stop RCU's defense from frenetically moving around the court on defense and sealing a 72-56 win over the Defiance Yellow Jackets on Wednesday night, with the Warriors' press keeping RCU firmly ahead throughout the contest.
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - The freezing weather didn't stop RCU's defense from frenetically moving around the court on defense and sealing a 72-56 win over the Defiance Yellow Jackets on Wednesday night, with the Warriors' press keeping RCU firmly ahead throughout the contest. Forward Jacey Somers led all scorers with 21 points, while center Melanie Moore snagged four steals.
THE RUNDOWN
FIRST HALF
It was a dominant defensive showing for the Warriors in the first quarter, as RCU held Defiance to four points. The Warriors forced multiple turnovers early en route to 18 first-half turnovers on the Yellow Jackets, with Moore anchoring the Warrior press while Somers put pressure on Defiance's guards. Offensively, Somers was finding her spots all over the floor, hitting an early three and finding openings near the basket.
Demi Rodriguez contributed to the Warriors' first-half offensive attack, hitting a deep three as time expired during a possession in the second quarter. The Yellow Jackets went on a short run in the second quarter, but that was staved off by the Warriors getting physical and drawing fouls, which Somers capitalized on. RCU headed into the second half up 33-22.
SECOND HALF
The Warriors got a big third quarter from forward Ashley Loon, who knocked down two threes midway through the period to help RCU maintain a steady lead. The Yellow Jackets gave the Warriors trouble in terms of controlling the ball, forcing turnovers and threatening to climb back into the game thanks to fastbreak points. However, halfcourt offense is where the Warriors excelled, with Mylah Aalse providing some bench scoring with a three.
RCU's defense got back to controlling the tempo in the fourth quarter, forcing eight Yellow Jacket turnovers which allowed for easy layups in transition. Guard Shahd Bakkar jumped two passes, helping the Warriors keep up their momentum as time wound down. A late three by Andrews helped the Warriors seal the game 72-56.
STAT OF THE GAME
The Warriors' 16 steals were their third-highest mark this season.
UP NEXT
The Warriors return home on Saturday, Jan. 25, to face the Aquinas Saints. Tip-off time is 1 p.m.
Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications
Featured Image: Alliyah Ocampo - RCU Women's Basketball
