Box Score JACKSONVILLE, ILL. - This afternoon the Principia College women's basketball team traveled to MacMurray College for their latest conference match-up of the season. The Panthers got off to a bit of a slow start, and neither squad was really able to take control of the game. MacMurray's 1-3-1 zone gave the Panthers lots of trouble, forcing turnovers and kept the Panther guards from finding any flow with their outside shots. Fortunately the starting Principia forwards
Kara Johnson and
Karina Olsen came to play, making crucial buckets and hitting the boards hard (they accounted for 20 of Principia's 26 first half rebounds) which allowed the Panthers to stay in the game. With strong play from their freshmen, Principia went on a 12-2 run to finish out the half, heading into the locker room with their largest lead of the day, 37-28.
The second half began with MacMurray putting the Panthers on their heels, quickly cutting into the 9 point halftime lead and once again knocking the Principia squad off balance. The Highlanders had the lead back within the span of five minutes, and Principia would go down by eleven before climbing their way back into the game. Down double digits around the five minute mark, the Panther freshmen (
Megan Selby, Alex Weitman and
Yulia Marquardt) once again played solid, composed basketball to help the Panthers regain control of the game. As the clock wound down, Principia hit some important free throws and got a few critical stops, allowing them to pull out a three point victory, 65-68. Overall, the victory was a result of a total team effort, with every member of the squad making crucial contributions to help pull out the win. Notable statistical contributions include Olsen with 16 points and a game high 17 boards (she was also 8-10 from the line), and Johnson with 19 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Panthers play next this coming Tuesday, January 27th, at Westminster College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
