SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team jumped all over Holy Cross College, opening the game with a 24-2 run en route to a 77-50 victory on Tuesday night in non-conference action.
The win pushed the Cougars to 4-7 on the season while the Saints dropped to 2-10 overall.
Junior Jessica Mabry and senior Lindsey Burnside combined for the first nine points of the contest as Spring Arbor eventually extended its lead to 24-2 midway through the first half. The Cougars limited the visitors to 17 percent (6-for-34) shooting while forcing 10 turnovers – converting those into 14 points – through the first 20 minutes to help give SAU a 38-16 lead at the break.
In the second half, Holy Cross settled in, scoring 34 points – including 16 from Kari Barnes – on 39 percent (12-for-31) shooting, but was never able to cut the deficit to less than 18 points. Freshman Autumn Goggin, senior LeAnn Porter and freshman Cara Hoffman helped keep the Cougars at a comfortable distance, collectively going 8-for-11 from the field for 23 points.
Spring Arbor connected on 42 percent (26-for-62) of its shots while Holy Cross finished at 28 percent (18-for-65). The Cougars also grabbed a season-best 49 rebounds compared to the Saints' 44. The home team turned HCC over 19 times and ended with nine steals.
Nine different players registered points for the Cougars including freshman Faith Johnson who poured in a season-high 13 points off the bench. Mabry stuffed the stat sheet with 11 points, five assists, four rebounds and three steals. Sophomores Kylie Townsley and Aimee Konkel chipped in 10 points apiece while Burnside ripped down a career-best 14 rebounds to go along with eight points and two blocks.
Spring Arbor will host Cornerstone University (5-5) on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5 p.m. The SAU athletic department will be partnering with the Parma Lions Club in hosting a Food Drive for the game. Fans who donate a non-perishable canned food item will receive free admission to the game.
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