SILOAM SPRINGS -- Despite a close-shooting contest, the Rams controlled lopsided advantages in key metric areas, as the John Brown University women's basketball team fell 91-61 to Texas Wesleyan on Saturday (Feb. 19) afternoon inside Bill George Arena.
The Rams (23-5, 17-5 Sooner Athletic) raced out to a 29-15 lead after the first quarter on a torrid 65 percent (13-of-20) shooting mark and never gave up the lead.
Freshman Emily Sanders' triple eventually whittled the deficit to eight, 39-31, but the visitors responded with a short 10-5 run to close out the first half, rebuilding a 13-point advantage, 49-36.
Behind 17-of-36 efficiency (47 percent) in the second half, Texas Wesleyan continued its offensive prowl through to the conclusion of the contest.
A trio of factors led to the result – including 25 offensive rebounds that the Rams turned into 26 second-chance points. The visitors also took advantage of a 10-turnover difference and converted 16 Golden Eagle turnovers into a 15-2 margin in points off turnovers.
Junior Lisa Vanoverberghe was the lone Golden Eagle able to find double-digit scoring, as she finished the afternoon with 12 points, four rebounds and a pair of blocks. In limited minutes, junior Tarrah Stephens scored nine points, while freshman Graci Harris came off the bench to provide eight of her own.
JBU had no answer for Wesleyan's three-pronged offense, which included impressive performances from Kertisa Amos, Zarria Carter and Makayla Coy. Amos hit 13-of-20 from the floor to lead all scorers with 29 points. Carter knocked down half of her 18 shots and grabbed 14 rebounds – a game high – to complete the double-double, while Coy added 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting to go along with eight rebounds.
With the regular season concluded, the sixth-seeded Golden Eagles will now host a first round matchup of the Sooner Athletic tournament Tuesday (Feb. 22) evening. John Brown will play host to the 11th seed, Oklahoma Panhandle State, in a 6 p.m. tip off live on the SAC Sports Network. The winner will then travel to Ft. Worth to take on the three seed, Texas Wesleyan, on Thursday (Feb. 24) evening.
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