The #20 Charger women’s basketball team held College of Saint Mary’s to 27.9% shooting as they grinded out a 59-50 win in Omaha, Nebraska Saturday. BC improves to 6-3 and 4-1 in GPAC play.
“We had a great bounce back game today against a tough St. Mary’s team,” said head coach Brita Hand. “We didn’t shoot the ball great today, but we made free throws and stepped up our defensive intensity. Winning on the road in the GPAC is tough so I’m very proud of how we handled ourselves today.”
Briar Cliff held a 12-11 lead after a cold shooting first quarter from both teams. The Chargers and Flames both shot 4-for-18 in the opening 10 minutes.
The Cliff found their rhythm in the second period, scoring 17 points on 47.1% shooting. BC grabbed six offensive rebounds for seven second chance points and received 10 points from their bench. The Chargers took their largest lead of the first half at 23-15 off a 9-2 run. A layup from Kaegen Held at the end of the half gave BC a 29-25 edge after 20 minutes.
The Charger defense clamped down in the third quarter, holding CSM to nine points on 1-for-14 shooting and 0-of-6 from deep. However, the Flames were able to get to the free throw line, converting 7-of-10 attempts. Konnor Sudmann pushed the Charger lead to double digits (42-32) for the first time with a steal and score with 1:39 remaining in the quarter.
BC held a double figure lead for the opening seven minutes of the final quarter, but a 7-0 Flames run cut the Charger lead to 54-49 with just over a minute left. Cadence Davis and Sudmann iced the game at the free throw line converting 5-of-6 attempts to close the game out.
Madelyn Deitchler led the Chargers in scoring for the eighth time this season with 20 points to go with eight rebounds. Sudmann added 10 points, three steals and six boards. Davis, Held and Kennedy Benne chipped in seven points apiece.
BC had the edge in rebounding 48-45, points off turnovers 20-10 and points in the paint 32-22.
Honnah Leo had a team high 14 points for the Flames and Sidney Andersen added 13 points, nine rebounds and had six blocks.
The Chargers return to the Newman Flanagan Center Wednesday hosting #10 Morningside. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
Briar Cliff Women win at College of Saint Mary
