Photo by Kami Wood

McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College women's basketball team hosted the Southwestern Assemblies of God University Lions on Monday evening, and were left still searching for their first Sooner Athletic Conference win of the 2023-24 season.

The game got off to a good start for the Tigers, they went toe to toe with the Lions and trailed by only one, 14-13, at the end of the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, the Tiger offense went AWOL. The Lions ran away with the period 20 to 6 and went into the break up by 15, 34-19.

Out of the break, the Tigers found their offense again, and won the third quarter 15 to 12, trimming the deficit to 12 points, heading into the final period. The Central ladies got the deficit to 10 points early in the fourth, but were unable to get any closer. A rash of turnovers late in the quarter allowed the Lions to break away for good. When the clock hit zeros, the Tigers found themselves trailing the Lions 70-45.
 
Key Statistic

The Tigers committed 39 turnovers, many of them unforced, against the Lions. The visitors then turned those Tiger miscues into 37 points.

By the Numbers

The Tigers were 15 of 42 (36%) from the floor.

The Tigers hit just 3 of 21 (14%) attempts from deep.

They were great from the free throw line, making 12 of 14 (86%).

Briasia Garza led all scorers in the game with 24 points. She was the only Tiger to score in double figures.

The Tigers were outrebounded by the Lions 42 to 38, and lost the turnover battle 39 to 21.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Briasia Garza (24)
Rebounds: Shamaya Brown (8)         
Assists: Olivia Bell (4)
Steals: Briasia Garza (5)
Blocks: none

Coaches Quote
 
"We played extremely hard, and I love our effort. We definitely have to take care of the ball a whole lot better, but when we did, our execution was pretty good. We got good shots but unfortunately, some of them didn't go in. I am extremely happy with our effort, we just need to continue to get better at executing. I really believe we took a step forward tonight, we just need to continue to keep getting better."– Coach Willems

Next Up
 
The Tigers (4-6, 0-4), will wrap up the 2023 portion of their season on Thursday, heading out on the road against the Langston University Lions. The Tigers and Lions will tip-off at 6:00 pm.