SILOAM SPRINGS -- Four players scored in double figures as the Golden Eagles built a quick 12-0 lead and never looked back in an 83-43 win over Central Christian (Kan.) on Thursday night (Jan. 26) inside Bill George Arena, starting a two-game win streak.
Junior Natalie Smith hit a pair of early triples and four different players scored in a game-opening run that produced a 23-7 lead at the end of the first period. Another lopsided score in the third quarter, 20-6, led to a late 42-point lead as the Golden Eagles (14-6, 8-6 Sooner Athletic) improved to 6-3 in Siloam Springs.
The shorthanded Tigers (0-19, 0-15) struggled to score all night long, shooting 25 percent from the field and just slightly better from behind the arc, but Abigail Contreras came off the bench to connect on four triples to lead the visitors with 14 points.
John Brown, meanwhile, enjoyed 19 points and nine boards from senior Tarrah Stephens – who officially took over the average scoring lead in the Sooner Athletic with the output – but also enjoyed a career-high 18 points from junior Leah Anderson off the bench, all in the second half. The impressive performance from Anderson saw her shoot 9-of-11 from the floor and grab five rebounds. Junior Bella Spindler also came off the bench to provide 13 points, while Smith finished with 11, mostly on three triples.
Junior Elise Cone also came off the bench in the fourth quarter and hit all three triples attempted to finish with nine points.
The Golden Eagles shot 51 percent (36-of-71) from the field – its second-highest efficiency of the season – and turned 16 offensive rebounds into 21 second-chance points.
John Brown will now travel to Langston (Okla.) to face the Lions for the second time this season. The Lions took the first matchup of the year, but later had to forfeit the contest. The matchup will air live on the SAC Sports Network, with the tip slated for 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 28).
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