LANGSTON, Okla. -- After a difficult start to the unconventional season, the Golden Eagles picked up some momentum with another game under its belt, this time setting season bests in field goals made and rebounds on Saturday (Feb. 6) afternoon – leading to a 72-63 win over Langston (Okla.) – officially starting a winning streak for the John Brown University women's basketball team.
Despite posting a season-high 28 field goals and securing a season-best 45 rebounds in its ousting of the Lions (5-4, 5-4 Sooner Athletic), John Brown compiled a 40 percent or better shooting mark for the second-straight outing and won the battle of the turnovers again – which has yielded quick results and leaves JBU just one win shy of pulling back to the .500 mark this season.
As has been the modus operandi so far this season, a breakout third quarter – fueled by 11-of-19 shooting from the floor and eight points from junior Maddie Altman – turned a two-point game at halftime into a 13-point Golden Eagle lead heading into the final 10 minutes of play.
Generally an outside shooting squad, John Brown pushed the ball down into the block to the tune of 18 points in the paint in the third quarter alone, finishing the contest with a 44-32 advantage.
While the third quarter may appear to stand out, it was the run at the end of the first half that setup John Brown's third-quarter success. Facing a game-high 11-point deficit, 32-21, senior Taylor Fergen scored six points to lead a 17-4 Golden Eagle run over the final 5:07 of the half – vaulting the visitors to its two-point halftime lead. Combining the second-quarter run with the third quarter sprint, JBU doubled up its hosts, 43-19, and held the Lions to a mere 32 percent from the floor during the stretch.
Paced by a career-high 14 point outing from sophomore Lisa Vanoverberghe, the John Brown bench outscored the Lions' reserves by a 19-6 margin, helped by five points from freshman Natalie Smith. Vanoverberghe completed her first-career double-double, yanking down 10 boards, equalling teammate Tarrah Stephens' 10 caroms. Stephens did what she does best, poured in 22 points to solidify her fifth-career double-double, and her second 20-10 outing of the young campaign.
Fergen finished the afternoon with 13 points and eight boards, while Altman's 12 points proved to be a season high. Fergen and Altman combined for 10 helpers, five apiece.
The Golden Eagles (2-3, 2-3) finished 40 percent from the floor (28-of-70) and forced 18 Langston turnovers, committing just 16 of its own. While the three ball wasn't falling, an 11-of-13 effort from the line was powered mostly by a 5-of-5 clip from Stephens.
Jailynn Lawson's 24 points led all scorers, as she hit 11-of-19 from the field. Asheika Alexander (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Talia Edwards (12 points, 10 rebounds) each contributed double-doubles in the loss for the Lions, which have lost two of its last three.
Finishing off a tough four games in six days stretch, the Golden Eagles welcome Central Christian (Kan.) to Bill George Arena on Monday (Feb. 8) night for a 6 p.m. start. The rematch will air on the SAC Sports Network as part of the Central Christian-John Brown doubleheader.
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