Lacey, Wash. (FEB. 9) - The Central Washington University women's basketball team shot 57.4 percent from the field against Saint Martin's as the Wildcats overwhelmed the Saints 84-62 on Saturday.
"This was a great team effort tonight on both ends of the floor," CWU head coach Randi Richardson-Thornley said. "Really proud of the our team for defending in transition and giving up zero fast break points which was a great improvement from game one."
With 8:20 to go in the first quarter, Alexis Pana nabbed a steal and made a break-away layup to give the Wildcats (14-7, 9-5) a 6-5 lead over the Saints (5-17, 3-11). The Saints responded by going on a 9-0 run to take an 13-6 lead with 5:11 left in the period. The Wildcats clawed their way back into the game, using a 12-4 that gave the Wildcats a 18-17 lead at the end of the quarter. The team was led by Pana, who finished the first quarter with nine points, making all four of her shot attempts.
Pana continued her hot shooting to open the second quarter, draining a three-pointer. Sadie Mensing followed with a strong drive and tough shot to put the Wildcats up 23-17. The Saints used a timeout to halt the momentum of the Wildcats. It didn't work, as a bucket from Kaelie Flores would grow the Wildcat lead to eight with 6:03 left in the first half.
Kassidy Malcolm had a strong stretch for the Wildcats with 3:48 left in the first half. She made a jump shot, and followed with a layup through contact on the next possession. Malcolm made the free-throw. Malcolm made two more free-throws, completing a 7-2 run over the Saints on he own. At the end of the first half, the Wildcats led 40-32.
The Wildcats began to pull away from the Saints late in the third quarter. A layup from Mensing started an 11-4 run that lasted the final 5:08 of the quarter. Taylor Shaw capped the run with a three-pointer. The Wildcats would hang on to their lead in the fourth quarter and hold on for the win.
Five Wildcats scored in double-figures in their matchup with the Saints. Flores led the way with 17 points on an 8-for-12 shooting performance. Mensing wasn't far behind with 14 points. Pana scored 14 points, 12 of which coming in the first half. Shaw scored 12 points while Malcolm nearly had a double-double, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds. As a team, the Wildcats shot 57.4 percent for the game, going 35-for-61 from the field.
"We were unselfish and balanced being aggressive with being committed to getting great shots each possession which is shown in our assists and field goal percentage," Richardson Thornley said. "Very happy for our players."
The Wildcats are slated for a quick turnaround, as they take on No. 7 Northwest Nazarene on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in Nampa, Idaho.
