WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The John Brown University women's basketball team briefly moved in front late in the first quarter, but Nelson (Texas) seized control with a closing run and built a decisive first-half advantage on the way to a 92-78 decision Thursday night (Jan. 8) inside the Sheaffer Center.
Junior Abbey Sanders led the Golden Eagles (5-9, 3-5 Sooner Athletic) with a season-best 25 points, knocking down 6-of-12 from three-point range. Sophomore Sarah Snodgrass followed with a 20-point, 18-rebound double-double, including seven offensive boards while sophomore Caelyn Ferguson added 19 points on 8-of-14 shooting as the Blue and Gold placed three players in double-figure scoring.
John Brown found its footing late in the opening quarter and took its only lead of the night at the 3:28 mark when freshman Tayla Trammell buried a three to put the Golden Eagles ahead 15-14. Nelson responded immediately, however, closing the quarter on a 14-4 run to turn a one-point deficit into an 11-point advantage. The surge was driven by defensive pressure and perimeter shooting, as the Lions forced multiple turnovers and Ashley Gonzalez knocked down two three-pointers during the final three minutes.
Nelson carried that momentum into the second quarter and continued to score efficiently, extending the margin throughout the period. The Lions finished the first half with 55 points and shot 69 percent from the floor (22-of-32) over the opening 20 minutes. JBU shot 46 percent in the first half (13-of-38) but was unable to keep pace as 12 first-half turnovers fed the Lions' transition game, sending the hosts into the break with a 55-37 lead.
The Lions briefly pushed the advantage to its largest margin midway through the third quarter, building a 21-point lead as bench production continued to cause the visitors issues. John Brown continued to compete on the glass and limited second-chance opportunities, but wasn't able to overcome the large intermission deficit.
The Golden Eagles closed the night with its strongest stretch in the fourth quarter, outscoring Nelson 24-17 over the final 10 minutes. John Brown tightened defensively – dropping Nelson to 30 percent in the second half from the field – and continued to generate quality looks, trimming the margin but never fully erasing the damage from the opening half.
Nelson (11-1, 7-1) was led by Paris Miller, who scored 30 points off the bench on 12-of-23 shooting, including four three-pointers, anchoring a 38-point bench effort. Abby Boyce added 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting and dished out eight assists. The Lions also featured Ashley Gonzalez and Cailyn Tucker at 13 apiece, while Kate Miller finished with 11, as NU placed five players in double figures.
JBU continues its road trip Saturday afternoon (Jan. 10) in Ft. Worth, facing Texas Wesleyan live on the SAC Sports Network and the Urban Edge Network. The tip is slated for 2 p.m. inside the Sid Richardson Center.
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