SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- The John Brown University women's basketball team delivered its most complete performance of the early season Thursday night (Nov. 13), using a decisive rebounding advantage, balanced scoring across the rotation, and a pair of career-best outings off the bench to roll past Ozark Christian (Mo.), 84-44, inside Bill George Arena.
The victory, JBU's first of the season, was built early. The Golden Eagles (1-4) controlled nearly every statistical category in the first half, shooting 40 percent from the field (16-of-40) while limiting the Ambassadors to just 5-of-30 shooting (17 percent) before the break. Behind a 32-18 rebounding margin that repeatedly extended possessions, JBU scored 41 points across the first two quarters and allowed only 16, taking command before halftime.
Sophomore Sarah Snodgrass anchored the first-half effort with eight points and 10 rebounds in just 11 minutes. Junior Abbey Sanders knocked down three threes in the opening half and finished with nine points and four assists before the break, helping the Golden Eagles establish early rhythm on the perimeter.
John Brown's depth took over from there. The Golden Eagles outscored Ozark Christian 43-28 in the second half, shooting 41 percent after the intermission while continuing to pressure the Ambassadors into difficult looks. JBU finished the night with 27 assists on 33 made baskets (82 percent) – its highest assist total of the season – and committed only 11 turnovers while pushing the pace in transition.
Junior Hannah McLain headlined the scoring effort, coming off the bench to post a career-high 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Twelve of her points came in the second half, where she added five rebounds and provided consistent scoring in the block and from the arc. Fellow reserve, freshman Oaklee Lofton, delivered a career-high 16 points, hitting four triples and scoring 11 after halftime, giving JBU an additional scoring presence as the margin widened.
The Golden Eagles placed five players in double figures: McLain (17), Lofton (16), Sanders (15), sophomore Caelyn Ferguson (10), and Snodgrass (10). Ferguson added four assists, and Snodgrass finished with a 10-point, 12-rebound double-double – her fourth of the young season. JBU's bench outscored Ozark Christian's 39-0.
Inside, JBU proved dominant from start to finish, producing a 62-24 edge in points in the paint and finishing with 18 second-chance points off 17 offensive rebounds. The Blue and Gold also turned 11 forced turnovers into 30 fast-break points, regularly converting defensive rebounds into transition opportunities.
Ozark Christian (2-0) was led by Kendall Scott, who scored 11 points in the first half and totaled 19 on 7-of-21 shooting, including five three-pointers. Brooka Jones added 10 points and eight rebounds, while Brooke Nice contributed eight points and six boards. The Ambassadors shot 8-of-29 from beyond the arc (28 percent) and 4-of-8 from the line while remaining scoreless in bench production.
JBU reached its largest lead at 42, 84-42, late in the contest, closing the night with 10 players in the scoring column and 11 contributing at least one rebound.
The Golden Eagles will now focus on Sooner Athletic play when it continues its homestand on Thursday night (Nov. 20) against Wayland Baptist. The 6 p.m. tip will be carried live on the SAC Sports Network and the Urban Edge Network.
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