SW Indiana News

Defense Reigns As Mighty Oaks Remain Undefeated in RSC Play, Downing Alice Lloyd

In what turned out to be a defensive battle throughout, the OCU women's basketball team, owners of a 10-3 record including 5-0 in River States Conference play, hosted the Eagles of Alice Lloyd College with their 11-2 mark, 4-1 in RSC battles. After fighting their way to a 13-9 lead in the opening quarter, the Oaks fell behind 23-19 at the halftime buzzer. However, in the third quarter, OCU pulled even with the Eagles at 29-29, before finally finding their rhythm on the offensive end, winning by the final score of 50-44. 

Leading the way in scoring for the Oakland City University side was Emilee Hope who posted 15 points on 4-12 shooting, going 3-9 from three point range, while making all four free throw attempts. Marissa Austin made only 1-5 from the field, but went 7-8 from the foul line to contribute nine counters, followed by Erin Whitehead who came off the bench to add six points and six rebounds. Jalaya Dowell led the Oaks in rebounds with seven, while blocking a game high six shots. 

Bailee Brainard paced the Eagles, scoring a game high 16 points on 7-12 shooting, while Hannah Kash added 14 points, making just 5-23 from the field, including 0-7 from three point range. Madison Thompson hauled in a game high 11 rebounds and blocked a team best three shots, while Kash handed out a game high four assists in the loss.

As a team, the Oaks connected on 12-53 (22.6%) of their shot attempts, going 4-22 (18.2%) from beyond the arc. ALC made 17-65 (26.2%) from the field, making just 2-19 (10.5%) from long range. OCU went 22-28 (78.6%) from the foul line, compared to 8-10 (80.0%) for the visiting Eagles. 

Overall, OCU trailed on the glass 50-43, including an offensive rebounding deficit of 22-16. Oakland City led in blocked shots (8-4) and in turnovers (25-27), but trailed in assists (9-8) and steals (14-6). 

The win moves the Oaks to 11-3 on the season, including 6-0 against RSC opponents on the year. Their next contest is scheduled for January 7, when they travel to West Virginia Tech for a men's and women's double-header, tipping off at 12:00 pm central time.

Original source can be found here.