SILOAM SPRINGS -- Sophomore Natalie Smith hit a quartet of triples leading three Golden Eagles in double-figure scoring as the John Brown University women's basketball team pulled away in the second quarter to an overwhelming 81-52 win over Central Christian (Kan.) on Saturday afternoon (Nov. 20) inside Bill George Arena.
John Brown (4-4, 1-1 Sooner Athletic) went 7-of-12 from the floor in the second quarter as Smith led the way by scoring seven points. The Golden Eagle defense forced Central Christian (1-7, 0-2) into a 2-of-12 shooting mark during the pivotal frame.
Then after the intermission, four different Golden Eagles scored and Smith added three triples to bolster the hosts to a 27-point quarter, allowing the hosts to pull away to a 27-point lead, 63-36.
Smith finished 7-of-12 from the field, and junior Tarah Stephens added 17 points and four rebounds. Senior Maddie Altman also finished with 10 points and six boards.
Freshman Emily Sanders passed out a career-high seven assists as John Brown assisted on 22 of its 29 field goals.
The Golden Eagles ended the afternoon with its best shooting performance of the young season, sinking 29-of-52 from the floor (56 percent) and 13-of-28 from behind the arc (46 percent). CCCK started hot, but fizzled quickly after the first quarter, finishing 17-of-56 (30 percent) overall.
JBU won the rebounding battle, 37-28, and turned 11 Tiger miscues into 17 points off the turnovers.
Cheynne Marshall scored 12 points in the loss for the visitors, while Destiny Broussard added 10 points and six rebounds.
The Golden Eagles return to Bill George Arena on Tuesday (Nov. 23) when it hosts Lyon (Ark.) in a non-conference matchup, slated to tip off at 6 p.m. live on the SAC Sports Network.
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