WARRIOR OFFENSE SURGES IN 91-84 WIN OVER #RV UNOH

LIMA, Ohio - The Warriors found a major groove on offense in a 91-84 victory over the #RV Northwestern Ohio Racers on Jan. 4, securing a critical road win. Offensively, the Warriors put up one of their best performances of the season, shooting 54.1% from the field as a unit while scoring 60 points in the paint. Forwards Jacey Somers and Ashley Loon combined for 49 RCU points, leading the Warriors. For UNOH, five players scored in double-figures. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

Early on, the Warriors found paint success with center Melanie Moore, who scored six of her 13 points in less than three minutes of action. The Warriors maintained a narrow lead thanks to a consistent scoring attack, led by guard Shahd Bakkar, who helped the Warriors find second chances and open baskets inside. RCU continued to attack the basket but eventually grew their lead to six thanks to a three by Somers. The Racers closed the gap to two before the quarter break. 

Loon started the Warriors right where they left off with a layup that kicked off a 9-0 run for the Warriors to begin the second quarter. Following the run, both teams stagnated for a few minutes, with the hosts figuring things out by knocking down a three to threaten RCU's lead. Moore and Emily Lockey responded to the three with two more paint baskets, but UNOH continued to threaten the margin each time RCU looked poised to blow the game open. With a minute remaining, forward Demi Rodriguez found Loon for an open three to put RCU up two possessions, and the Warriors headed into halftime up 41-36. 

SECOND HALF

Loon continued to be a factor for the Warriors offensively, knocking down a three to begin the second half. Two minutes later, the forward found the bottom of the net from deep again to put RCU up 49-43. Not done yet, Loon spotted up for a swing pass from guard Samone Andrews and hit a third three in two minutes to keep the Warriors up five points. Following a timeout, the Racers gave the Warriors a scare with a 7-0 run, taking their first lead at 54-52. 

The lead swing didn't discourage RCU, remaining relentless in the paint with Somers and forward Grace Lodes scoring tough layups inside to snatch the lead back from the Racers. Lodes continued to make a formidable impact during the Warriors' run, stealing a pass that set up Loon's fourth three of the quarter, giving the Warriors a nine-point lead. The Warriors headed into the final period up eight, with plenty of momentum on their side. 

Lodes set up the Warriors' first two baskets of the fourth quarter, scoring the first one herself in the post before stealing another ball that gave Loon a transition score. The Warriors continued to roll through the quarter, making sure to answer every bucket the Racers could muster. RCU maintained the lead with a layup by Moore, followed by a three from Somers. Loon and Somers continued to dominate the offense, scoring crucial baskets to seal the RCU victory. 

STAT OF THE GAME

The Warriors won the paint battle, outscoring the Racers 60-48 in the key and grabbing six more rebounds (40-34). 

UP NEXT

The Warriors return to Garth Pleasant Arena for a brief home stint, beginning with a matchup against the Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines on Wednesday, Jan. 8. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - StudioLens.Han