SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Behind a dominant performance from freshman Sarah Snodgrass, the John Brown University women's basketball team ran away with a decisive 70-50 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State in Sooner Athletic Conference play on Thursday night (Feb. 13) inside Bill George Arena.
The Golden Eagles (13-12, 11-10 Sooner Athletic) were in control from start to finish, using an efficient offensive performance and strong rebounding to end a two-game losing skid. After a tight first quarter, John Brown opened the second frame on an 11-2 run and never looked back in the sweep of the Aggies.
Snodgrass led the way with a game-high 23 points and 16 rebounds, shooting an impressive 11-of-15 from the field while adding two steals and an assist to complete her fourth-consecutive and 20th double-double of the season. Sophomore Abbey Sanders contributed 10 points, six assists, and three rebounds, knocking down two three-pointers during the decisive pull-away run. Senior Graci Harris finished with eight points and three assists, while freshman Riley Gottsponer provided a four of her eight points in the fourth quarter, which accompanied five rebounds and a perfect 6-of-6 effort from the free-throw line.
John Brown shot 49 percent (25-of-51) from the field and connected on 8-of-21 three-pointers (38 percent) while limiting Panhandle State (1-24, 1-21 SAC) to just 32 percent shooting (19-of-59). The Golden Eagles won the rebounding battle, holding a 37-28 edge on the glass, and converted 12-of-15 free throws (80.0 percent) to maintain control throughout the game.
Heidi Rodriguez led the Aggies with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. Jana Radovanovic added eight points, four rebounds, and two blocks, while Mariah Gardner chipped in eight points and three rebounds. Despite a strong effort from the visitors, the Aggies struggled to generate consistent offense, turning the ball over nine times and managing just two second-chance points off seven offensive rebounds.
With the win, John Brown moves one step closer to securing a spot in the Sooner Athletic tournament, but will face Wayland Baptist (Texas) in its last home game of the season Saturday afternoon (Feb. 15). The Golden Eagles return to action inside Bill George Arena for a 2 p.m. tip-off, with the matchup slated to air live on the SAC Sports Network.
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