at Southern Indiana (13-2, 4-0 GLVC): 84
Saint Joseph's (3-10, 1-3 GLVC): 67
Box Score | Photo Gallery
EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team used a strong first-half performance to cruise to an 84-67 victory over Saint Joseph's College Monday evening at the Physical Activities Center.
USI (13-2, 4-0 GLVC), winners of its last 12 games, used a 15-0 run in the early stages of the opening period to build a 17-3 advantage.
The Screaming Eagles, who shot 63.3 percent (19-30) from the field and 75.0 percent (6-8) from three-point range in the first half, widened their lead to as many as 27 with just over four minutes to play in the opening frame before going into the break with a 48-30 halftime advantage.
Senior guard/forward Abby Williams scored 11 of her game and career-high 20 points in the opening frame to help the Eagles build their lead. Junior guard Ellen Young added 10 of her 18 points in the first frame, while fellow classmate Amie Newhart dished out seven of her career-high tying eight assists in the opening half.
Neither team gained much of an advantage throughout the second period, though USI increased its cushion to 25 points with 12 minutes to play and to 26 points nearly five minutes later before settling for the 17-point victory.
In addition to Williams and Young, sophomore guard Rinesha Soaper added 10 points, while five other players had at least five points.
USI also won the rebounding battle for the second straight game, with sophomore forward/center Ashton Mertens matching Young with a game-high eight rebounds. USI out-rebounded the Pumas, 43-35, and held a 30-22 edge in points in the paint.
The Eagles, who equaled their best 15-game start since going 13-2 to begin the 2000-01 season, return to action Thursday when they visit Missouri University of Science and Technology. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m. in Rolla, Missouri, and game coverage can be found at www.gousieagles.com.
Note: This evenings USI-Saint Joseph's game can be seen in its entirety Tuesday at 6 p.m. on WTSN Channel 36 (digital), Channel 41 (analog), and Insight Digital Channel 186. Time Warner cable subscribers in Newburgh and Warrick Count can view the game on WTSN Channel 14, while Owensboro, Rockport, and other tri-state communities served by Time Warner of Owensboro should tune to Channel 3.
