Box Score ELSAH, Ill. – This afternoon the Principia College women's basketball team hosted the MacMurray College Highlanders in their latest conference match-up. Having just barely pulled out the win versus the Highlanders back in December, the Panthers were looking to pull out the season sweep. Principia got off to a very solid start offensively, executing the game plan as a single unit and finding open Panthers all over the floor. However, despite their offensive flow, the Highlanders were able to convert against the Panther defense as well, hitting several outside shots to stay in the game. The back and forth battle continued through the half, due in large part to very balance scoring throughout the first two quarters (all five starters were on the scoreboard through 20 minutes for the first time this season). At halftime Principia found themselves down three points, 35-32.
To start the second half, the Panthers were determined to reverse their season-long pattern and actually win the third quarter. Principia continued to be led by sophomore point guard
Tanya Marquardt who orchestrated the Panther offense and handled the MacMurray pressure. The balanced scoring continued, with Panther guards Marquardt and
Megan Selby hitting some critical threes to spread the Highlander defense. After that, Principia's forwards
Kara Johnson and
Sophia Hathaway went to work, grabbing almost as many offensive boards as defensive (the Panthers finished the game with 23 O boards and a total 46 rebounds for the game) and converting on much-needed buckets inside. Principia headed into the fourth quarter with just a three point lead, but some composed play from the entire squad allowed the Panthers to handle the very physical Highlander defense and convert from the charity stripe to help grow their lead. With four and a half minutes to play, two free throws from junior forward
Rachel Perea gave the Panthers their first double-digit lead, one they would ultimately never relinquish. At the final buzzer, Principia came away with the 79-67 victory and completed the sweep.
There were several notable statistical contributions today, with four of the five Panthers starters scoring in double-digits. Johnson scored a game-high 25 points, and both Perea and Hathaway turned in double-doubles, with Hathaway logging 19 points and 10 rebounds (7 of which were offensive boards). Perea had 16 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
The Panthers play at home again this coming Tuesday, February 2
nd versus conference-leading opponent Iowa Wesleyan College. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
