SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Behind a balanced attack and a strong defensive showing, the John Brown University women's basketball team powered past Central Christian (Kan.), 81-40, in Sooner Athletic Conference play on Thursday evening (Dec. 12) inside Bill George Arena.
The Golden Eagles (6-5, 4-3 Sooner Athletic) bounced back with its most dominant win of the season, shooting 49 percent from the field (32-of-65) and converting 33 percent of their attempts from beyond the arc (12-of-36). Although allowing the first field goal of the game, the hosts responded with an 8-0 run to grab the lead for good en route to its largest margin of victory this season.
Sophomore Abbey Sanders led the offensive charge with 15 points, hitting 5-of-9 from deep, while freshman Riley Gottsponer also contributed 15 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting night, adding five rebounds. Freshman Sarah Snodgrass posted her fifth consecutive double-double of the season, tallying 13 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
Freshman Hannah Gibbons chipped in 11 points, including three triples, while freshman Caelyn Ferguson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points and three steals. Freshman Carley Sexton added eight points off the bench and dished out a career-high seven assists.
The Golden Eagles came out firing in the first quarter, outscoring the Tigers 27-9. Sanders knocked down two of her five triples in the opening frame, while Snodgrass added four buckets in the paint to spark the offense. JBU's defense set the tone early, forcing five turnovers and holding Central Christian to just 4-of-16 shooting in the first 10 minutes. Gottsponer added a late steal that led to a buzzer-beating Sanders triple to cap the dominant quarter.
In the second quarter, JBU built on its lead with a steady offensive effort. Although Central Christian briefly cut the deficit to 19 twice, late Ferguson and Snodgrass buckets down low restored the Golden Eagles' momentum, 41-25, before the intermission.
John Brown doubled up the visiting Tigers in the third and continued its hot shooting throughout the second half. In the fourth quarter, Ferguson added a three-pointer and another steal, while Gibbons hit her third trey of the night. The defense remained relentless, holding Central Christian to just seven points in the final 10 minutes. JBU's bench accounted for 12 of the team's 14 points in the quarter.
Central Christian (2-10, 0-8) struggled offensively, shooting just 25 percent from the field (17-of-67) and 20 percent from three-point range (4-of-20). The Tigers were led by Chloe Clevenger, who scored 15 points and added four rebounds, while Charmayne Marshall contributed 10 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
The Golden Eagles return to action Saturday afternoon (Dec. 14) when John Brown travels to Langston, Okla. to face the Lions in another conference showdown. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and fans can follow the action live on the SAC Sports Network.
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