MCPHERSON, Kan. -- Behind yet another double-double from freshman Sarah Snodgrass and her game-high 19 points, the John Brown University women's basketball team captured its fourth win in five games with a 63-53 victory over Central Christian (Kan.) on Tuesday evening (Jan. 23) inside Jerry Alexander Arena.
The Golden Eagles (11-8, 9-6 Sooner Athletic) leaned on a strong defensive effort and perfect free-throw shooting effort to secure the road win. Snodgrass posted her 15th double-double of the season, finishing with a game-high 19 points and 15 rebounds while hitting all eight of her free-throw attempts. Sophomore Abbey Sanders contributed 18 points, draining four triples, while adding five rebounds and five assists. Freshman Erin Merkel came off the bench and produced 10 points, shooting 4-of-4 at the line, and pulled down five rebounds.
In a difficult shooting night for both teams, JBU finished the game shooting 39 percent from the floor (20-of-51) and a flawless 16-of-16 from the charity stripe. The effort at the free throw line was the second-best in program history, just shy of the program record 20-of-20 mark set in 2006 against Hendrix (Ark.).
John Brown out-rebounded CCCK, 38-34, including a 30-22 edge on the defensive glass, while holding the Tigers (3-16, 1-14) to just 34 percent shooting from the field. The Blue and Gold also shared the ball effectively, dishing out 16 assists on 20 field goals (80 percent) which helped overcome 17 turnovers.
For Central Christian, Chloe Clevenger led the effort with 17 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Charmayne Marshall also added 17 points, while Amanda Dotter grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. The hosts struggled from deep, converting just 27 percent (6-of-22) of its three-point attempts.
The Golden Eagles trailed 12-10 early in the first quarter and again 20-17 midway through the second frame. Snodgrass then started a run with a bucket and two at the line, and senior Graci Harris buried a triple at the horn to complete a quarter-ending 11-2 to give the visitors a 28-22 lead at the break.
In the third quarter, JBU again never trailed, and built a pair of 10-point advantages throughout the frame, the latter a result of a period-ending 7-0 Golden Eagle rally. The teams continued to trade buckets throughout the fourth, until CCCK pieced together a quick 7-0 run over a 90-second span to pull even, 51-51, with just over three minutes remaining.
The Golden Eagles then shot perfectly from the floor, 3-of-3, including a pair of triples from freshman Carley Sexton and Sanders. The Tigers were limited to just one field goal over the final 3:08, as the visitors used a 12-2 run to close out the contest.
JBU will look to extend its winning streak to three games on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 27) when the Golden Eagles host league-leading Langston (Okla.) at Bill George Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the game will be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network.
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