The Rams (5-10, 2-5 MEC) defeated the Yellow Jackets of West Virginia State University 87-78 Sunday afternoon at home in the Butcher Center.
After being outscored 24-17 in the first quarter, the Rams heated up and went on a 49-26 run over the second and third quarters to build a commanding lead over the Yellow Jackets.
Defensively, the Rams allowed the Yellow Jackets to shoot just 40.8 percent, as they proved unable to keep up with the Rams. The Rams’ defense also stiffened in the fast break department, allowing just six points during the course of the game.
A three-pointer by junior guard Kayla Tibbs put the Rams up 87-72 and iced the game, having the Rams celebrating with 51 seconds left in regulation, securing the win.
Getting 17 points off turnovers really helped build the Rams’ lead. Despite turning the ball over 14 times, the Rams forced 19 Yellow Jackets’ turnovers with their tenacious and aggressive defensive play.
Rebounding proved to be a key factor in the game’s outcome, as the Rams won this battle 43-38. Keeping the Yellow Jackets off of the offensive glass prevented them from cutting the deficit to smaller margins.
The Rams had an arsenal of contributors in their victory. Junior guard Morgan Arden was the game’s high scorer with 21 points. The sharp shooting of freshman guard Lauren Reed provided the Rams with 18 points, the best offensive performance of her young career. Junior guard Kayla Tibbs was a pest for the Yellow Jackets to defend. She finished with 15 points. Sophomore guard Kari Lankford was another scoring threat with 13 points. Senior forward Liz Myers proved a challenge for the Rams to tangle with all game long, as she recorded her third double-double of the season with 10 points and leading all players with 11 rebounds.
Aurreshae Hines of the Yellow Jackets hurt the Rams in numerous ways with her 15 point and five rebound display. Shealyn Shafer also caused headaches for the Rams with her 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Rams had their best shooting performance of the season to date with their 50.8 percent (32-63) performance, also going an impressive 60 percent (9-of-15) on three-pointers. West Virginia Sate shot 40.8 percent (29-71) and 35.1 percent (13-37) in these respective categories.
The Rams will look to win again when they host the University of Charleston at home at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday evening.
Anthony Bracken is the Sports Editor for The Picket. He can be reached at abrack02@rams.shepherd.edu