Photo by Kami Wood
McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College women's basketball team got back in the win column on Thursday night, defeating the Barclay College Bears, at home, 72-35.

The Tigers got a big boost with the return of sophomore point guard, Olivia Bell, who was making her season debut after sitting out half of 2022-23 and the first part this season, rehabbing a knee injury. Bell scored 16 points in her debut, in 18 minutes of action.

The Tigers got off to a sluggish start, allowing the Bears to jump out to a 5-0 lead, but a three pointer by Hallee Winsea got the Tigers on the board, and ignited an 18-2 run. The Tigers ended the quarter up 18-7. In the second quarter they extended their lead by outscoring the Bears 22-14, heading into the intermission up 40-21.

The third period was the Tigers' best on both ends of the floor. Defensively, they held the Bears to just four points in the quarter, while scoring 25 points on the offensive end. Leading by 40 heading into the final 10 minutes, the Tigers hit a lull. The Bears won the final quarter 10-7 giving the Tigers a margin of victory of 37 points.

Key Statistic

The Tigers forced the Bears into 26 turnovers, and then turned those miscues into 28 points.

By the Numbers

The Tigers were 28 of 66 (42%) from the floor.

The Tigers hit 10 of 27 attempts (37%) from deep.

They were 6 of 10 (60%) from the charity stripe.

Two Tigers finished with double figures in scoring, and three others finished with nine.

The Tigers outrebounded the Stars 44 to 40, and won the turnover battle 20 to 26.

Tiger Leaders

Points: Briasia Garza (17)
Rebounds: Hallee Winsea (9)            
Assists: Hallee Winsea (6)
Steals: Briasia Garza, Amanda Dotter (4)
Blocks: Briasia Garza (1)

Coaches Quote
 
"I really loved our effort tonight, when we compete like that we are a different team. It also helps our offense when we get fast break points. Plus we hit some shots tonight, it was good to see the ball go through the hoop. We still need to work on finding the open teammate when we attack the paint!"– Coach Willems

Next Up
 
The Tigers (4-4, 0-2), will be back at home for Sooner Athletic Conference action on Saturday, taking on the University of North Texas at Dallas Jaguars. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 pm.