ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Jan. 19) – A 77-63 victory over Western Oregon University breathed fresh life into the 2016-17 Great Northwest Athletic Conference for the Central Washington University women's basketball team.
"It was as great team win tonight," CWU Head Coach
Jeff Harada said. "We shot 55 percent from the field and 26 assists says a lot about how we played tonight. Getting transition baskets definitely helped our cause, but I was most happy with us making the extra pass in our half court offense and getting the best shot instead of the first shot."
The Wildcats are now 7-10 overall and 2-7 in GNAC play. The Wolves fall to 6-10 overall and are also 2-7 in GNAC competition.
A majority of the Wildcats' success came from inside the paint. Central Washington netted double-digit points in the paint in each quarter, totaling 50 for the contest.
Taylor Baird recorded 18 points, but also added four assists. Baird faced numerous double teams throughout the contest, but negated the effect by finding teammates on open looks. Baird added three steals and seven rebounds to her stat line as well.
"I've been getting double teamed quite often this season," Baird admitted. "I've been working on, when I get the ball, facing up the double team to get a better look at what's going on."
Baird found an open
Jasmin Edwards on multiple occasions, helping Edwards notch 11 points. Edwards added five rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
Sophomore guard
Sadie Mensing tallied a career night, picking up 19 points on an 8-for-15 effort from the field. She dished out four assists, one block, and one steal.
"I feel really good about it," Mensing said of her career high. I tried to play confident and really relaxed, my teammates got me some great looks and great opportunities."
The Wildcats entered the third quarter with a 42-31 lead, but the Wolves battled back and cut the advantage to four (50-46) with 4:35 remaining in the third period.
"I liked how we didn't panic during their run in the third quarter, but stayed aggressive and responded," Harada noted. "We stayed together as a team and I could see it in our eyes that we were determined to win the game."
Central Washington's bench chipped in for 25 points, while the Wildcats held Western Oregon's reserves to just six points.
Kortney Grattic led the bench effort with a double-double, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds.
"We had great energy from our bench," Harada added. "Players stepped up and made plays when we needed them. If anything, I hope this game validates to our kids all the conversations and extra work we've been putting in."
The Wildcats also finished with seven second chance points and 15 points off of turnovers.
"Overall really happy for our team because it wasn't given to us, we had to earn this win and we did that," Harada finished.
The Wildcats are back in action on Saturday (Jan. 21) as they host Concordia University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
