SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Behind double-digit scoring from freshman Sarah Snodgrass and sophomore Abbey Sanders, the John Brown University women's basketball team secured a 56-44 victory over Oklahoma City on Monday evening (Jan. 20) at Bill George Arena.
The Golden Eagles (10-8, 8-6 Sooner Athletic) used a strong defensive effort, holding the Stars (8-12, 8-8 SAC) to just 32 percent shooting from the field, while dominating the glass with a 41-34 rebounding advantage.
After missing Saturday's contest at College of the Ozarks (Mo.), Snodgrass returned to post her fourteenth double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds, adding two steals and three offensive boards. Sanders matched Snodgrass in scoring with 14 points, draining four triples on five attempts and contributing three assists. Freshman Caelyn Ferguson rounded out JBU's top performers with 10 and a trio of assists.
The Stars edged the Golden Eagles in the opening quarter, taking a 13-12 lead as the hosts began the evening just 4-of-18 from the field (22 percent). However, JBU's defense stifled City in the second frame, holding the Stars to just six points. Ferguson scored five points in the period, while she, Sanders and freshman Riley Gottsponer each hit triples the began a 25-4 Golden Eagle run that bled midway through the third quarter. The visitors, meanwhile, scored just three field goals over 17 possessions on the quarter, vaulting Golden Eagles to a 27-19 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, JBU extended its advantage to double digits, outscoring OCU 14-10. Sanders and senior Graci Harris each splashed a triple early, and Gottsponer's bucket completed a 12-minute stretch that saw John Brown allow just two field goals as the hosts boasted a 37-19 lead. Amaya Gordon's bucket at the 5:38 mark finally ended the City drought and jump-started a quick 10-2 visitor run to whittle the deficit to 12, 41-29.
City scored all 15 of its fourth quarter points in the paint, but Snodgrass came alive and poured in half of her evening's total in the period, netting seven, as JBU shot nearly 50 percent again from the floor (6-of-13). The Blue and Gold lead would eventually narrow to 10 late, but Ferguson responded with her second triple of the night as the hosts rolled to its eventual 12-point victory.
For Oklahoma City, Amaya Gordon led all scorers with 17 points, hitting 8-of-15 from the floor while grabbing nine rebounds. Raegan Travis added eight points and four rebounds in the loss for Oklahoma City. The Stars fell to 1-10 on the season when shooting under 40 percent from the field.
JBU finished the contest shooting 36 percent (21-of-59) from the field and an efficient 86 percent (6-of-7) from the charity stripe. The Golden Eagles also tallied 11 offensive rebounds, converting them into seven second-chance points. Gottsponer contributed seven points and a pair of rejections in the win.
With the win, the Golden Eagles climbed into a tie for sixth place in the SAC standings and will look to continue the momentum on Thursday (Jan. 23) when they travel to take on Central Christian (Kan.). Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 p.m., and fans can follow the action on the SAC Sports Network live from Jerry Alexander Arena.
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