Bobcats Take Down NJCAA DIII No.1 Rock Valley in Opener
The Bryant & Stratton College women's basketball team traveled to Rockford, IL last night and captured a 77-65 win against the defending NJCAA DIII National Champions, Rock Valley College...
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (November 2, 2017) – The Bryant & Stratton College women's basketball team traveled to Rockford, IL last night and captured a 77-65 win against the defending NJCAA DIII National Champions, Rock Valley College.
The Golden Eagles, currently ranked No. 1 in NJCAA Division III, had a 22-game win-streak carrying over from last season until the Bobcats snatched a victory.
"This was a big win for us," Bobcats head coach Jeff Lorenz said. "Rock Valley has won four NJCAA DIII National Championships in six years. For us to come into their building and compete at the level we did, makes me very excited about the road ahead."
The Bobcats came out of the gates hot leading the Golden Eagles 35-22 with just under four minutes to go in the first half. A fast paced battle from both sides came down to executing in transition, which the Bobcats were able to do.
"I stressed the importance of getting off to a fast start," Lorenz said. "Against a talented team like Rock Valley, it is vital to jump out to an early lead because we knew they would make a run."
After leading 44-24 at the half, the Golden Eagles went on a quick run at the start of the third and brought the score within eight points. The Bobcats were able to weather the storm enough to keep the lead 58-48 at the end of the third quarter.
With 8:28 to go in the fourth the Bobcats managed to extend the lead to 12 points and start the season out 1-0.
"I am very proud of the way the girls played," Lorenz said. "Everyone stepped up and played a part in this opening season victory."
Returning Second Team All-American, Kiara Donaldson, lead the Bobcats with 19 points and 8 rebounds followed by Ashley Williams with 12 points and 11 boards. JaTaviah Conley contributed 12 points and Jazlyn Drake tacked on another 10 points.
Freshman, Valerie Nzeakor (Collin, TX) played well in her first collegiate game with some big second-half points when the Bobcats needed a score. Nzeakor finished with 4 points and 2 rebounds off the bench. Freshman, Maddy McCoy (Saint Thomas Moore, Champaign, IL) added 11 points and 7 rebounds in her first game.
The Bobcats will take the positives from this game as well as make adjustments and improve upon their mistakes.
Up next is a two-day tournament in Wahpeton, ND where the Bobcats will square off against two very tough NJCAA Division I teams. The first game takes place at 4:00pm CT against NE Nebraska this saturday followed by North Dakota State College of Science at 11:00am on Sunday.