SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Behind a dominant performance from sophomore freshman Sarah Snodgrass and an 80 percent shooting effort from senior Graci Harris, the John Brown University women's basketball team notched a decisive 74-62 victory over Nelson (Texas) on Thursday evening (Jan. 9) inside Bill George Arena.
Snodgrass recorded her 12th double-double of the season, scoring a game-high 26 points and adding 13 rebounds, helping the Golden Eagles (8-7, 6-5 Sooner Athletic) record an eighth-straight win over the Lions (4-11, 3-9). Harris provided a strong supporting effort with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, six rebounds, and three steals, while freshman Riley Gottsponer contributed eight of her 13 points in the second half to accompany six rebounds.
After trailing briefly early in the first quarter, JBU seized control with a quarter ending 11-2 run, sparked by five consecutive Harris points in the frame. The Golden Eagles closed the first period leading 11-6, holding the visiting Lions to just nine percent shooting from the floor.
The second quarter saw the Blue and Gold increase its lead courtesy of a 10-0 run midway through the period, sparked by eight points from Snodgrass as the hosts entered the halftime break up 26-18. JBU's defense remained relentless, limiting Nelson to just 21 percent shooting (6-of-29) in the opening 20 minutes.
Snodgrass exploded for another 10 points in the third as the Golden Eagles racked up 28 points in the quarter, shooting 59 (10-of-17) percent from the field while knocking down five triples from five different players. JBU's lead swelled to as much as 21 points late in the fourth, but the hosts' lead was too much to overcome despite three consecutive Lion triples in the final minute, including as time expired.
JBU out-rebounded Nelson 42-30, capitalizing on 10 offensive boards to generate 14 second-chance points. The hosts dominated in the paint, outscoring the visitors 44-27 while limiting Nelson to just 37.1 percent shooting overall. The Golden Eagles also converted eight triples at a 38 percent, while the visitors finished at 30 percent behind the arc, knocking down nine of 30 attempts.
For Nelson, Autumn Moore led the way with 10 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Ashley Gonzalez contributed nine points while three Lions chipped in with eight points apiece. Wendy Clemmons passed out a game-high seven assists in the loss.
John Brown now looks to build momentum as it welcomes North Texas at Dallas to finish a two-game home stint on Saturday afternoon (Jan. 11). Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m., and fans can catch all the action live on the SAC Sports Network.
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