Brescia wins KIAC WBB Game of the Week shootout over Rio Grande, 112-91
OWENSBORO, Ky. -- Brescia (Ky.) University scored 46 points in the first quarter to set the tone for its shootout win over the University of Rio Grande (Ohio), 112-91, in the KIAC Women's Basketball Game of the Week on Saturday (Feb. 20).
KIAC leading scorer Julie Whitfill, the total scoring leader in NAIA Division II, scored 39 points and made nine 3-pointers to lead the offensive assault. The senior guard now has 701 total points on the year to lead the country and 22.6 ppg to lead the KIAC (3rd NAIA DII).
The big first quarter by the Bearcats (18-13, 13-5 KIAC) had them out to a 46-20 lead after 10 minutes. Rio Grande (19-9, 12-5 KIAC) cut into the lead in the second quarter, but the big start still had Brescia up 65-47 at the half.
Brescia maintained the lead by putting up another 47 points in the second half compared to 44 for Rio Grande.
Brescia set a team record with 21 made 3-pointers. The Bearcats made 21 of 46 from beyond the arc for for 46 percent, and they shot 45 percent overall.
Besides Whitfill with 39 points, other scoring leaders were Shelbi Samsil coming off the bench for 24 points and six treys and Jalyn Hudson scoring 14 points on three treys. Kelsey Kirkpatrick added 11 points and seven assists.
Rio Grande shot 9 of 24 from 3-point range for 37 percent, and it shot 47 percent from the floor. The RedStorm committed 27 turnovers compared to 13 for Brescia.
Two Rio Grande players combined for 49 points with Aly Herren putting up 25 points and making 7 of 14 from 3-point land. Sarah Bonar totaled 24 points and nine rebounds. Jada Carter added 14 points, five rebounds, five assists and four blocks off the bench.
Both teams move on to the KIAC Tournament, where they are the No. 2 seeds coming out of their respective divisions. KIAC Capital No. 2 seed Brescia hosts Point Park, and KIAC Colonial No. 2 seed Rio Grande hosts IU Southeasts on Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. ET.
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