McPHERSON, Kan. -- Behind a season-best 22-point performance from sophomore Caelyn Ferguson and late-game execution at the charity stripe, the John Brown University women's basketball team ended a four-game skid and secured a 53-49 road victory over Central Christian (Kan.) on Thursday night (Jan. 15) inside Jerry Alexander Arena.
Ferguson delivered her second 20-point effort of the season, finishing with 22 points on 6-of-7 shooting, knocking down both three-point attempts and converting 8-of-8 at the line to go with five assists and two blocks.
Sophomore Sarah Snodgrass also provided another double-digit evening, finishing with 19 points and seven rebounds while logging heavy minutes (38) in the frontcourt. Though the Blue and Gold struggled from the perimeter – shooting just 16 percent from three-point range – the visitors offset the inefficiency by limiting Central Christian's opportunities on the offensive glass.
JBU held a 41-34 advantage on the glass, limiting Central Christian to four second-chance points while securing defensive rebounds late. Freshman Tayla Trammell contributed 10 rebounds, a career best, helping the Golden Eagles close possessions despite a difficult shooting night.
John Brown (6-10, 4-6 SAC) opened the contest limiting the Tigers to 2-of-11 shooting in the first quarter while building a 15-9 advantage through 10 minutes. The game was tied 2-2 early on, but the Blue and Gold used a triple from freshman Oaklee Lofton and four consecutive points from Ferguson to build a 9-2 lead that would remain for the rest of the night.
JBU extended its cushion in the second quarter, shooting 50 percent from the field (7-of-14) in the period to carry a 30-22 lead into halftime.
The margin tightened in the third quarter as both teams experienced scoring droughts. John Brown was held to nine points in the frame, while Central Christian closed within one point, 35-34, behind interior scoring. Still, the Golden Eagles entered the fourth quarter with a 39-34 advantage after holding the Tigers to 12 points in the period.
John Brown closed the game by leaning into its strengths. Despite making just two field goals in the fourth quarter and CCCK hanging around within two possession the entire period, the Golden Eagles converted 10-of-12 free throws in the final 10 minutes, repeatedly answering Central Christian possessions at the line. JBU finished the night shooting 16-of-19 at the line, proving decisive in a four-point win.
The Tigers (5-12, 1-10 SAC) were led by Chloe Clevenger, who scored 18 points off the bench on 8-of-18 shooting.
No other Tiger reached double figures, as John Brown's defense held Central Christian to 30 percent shooting from the field (18-of-60) and 18 percent from three-point range (4-of-22). JBU finished the game shooting 37 percent from the field (17-of-46) while scoring 24 points in the paint, pairing defensive consistency with free-throw execution to secure the conference road win.
The Golden Eagles finally return home Saturday afternoon (Jan. 17) to take on Langston (Okla.) at 2 p.m. inside Bill George Arena. The matinee matchup is slated to air live on the SAC Sports Network and the Urban Edge Network.
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