WARRIOR DEFENSE DOMINANTS IN HOME WIN OVER MADONNA

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - The Warriors put on a defensive clinic in their 88-60 win over the Madonna Crusaders on Saturday afternoon in Garth Pleasant Arena. Despite losing the turnover battle 16-12, RCU controlled the game by preventing Madonna from getting into a rhythm shooting the ball, holding the Crusaders to sub-40% shooting splits. Four Warriors scored in double figures, led by guard Samone Andrews, who scored 17 points while dishing out seven assists and grabbing five rebounds. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

It wasn't the most ideal start for either team, with turnovers plaguing the game for both offenses. Despite the turnovers from RCU, the Warriors got out to a big lead thanks to capitalizing on points in transition. For RCU, the turnovers committed were met with strong transition defense, which prevented the Crusaders from threatening RCU's quick lead. Andrews and Jacey Somers led the charge in the first period, scoring seven points each, with most of those points coming from on-ball steals.

RCU continued to grow the lead in the second quarter, cleaning up their offense and crashing the glass for putback buckets. Six different Warriors grabbed offensive rebounds during the stretch, with Tambre Williams providing energy off the bench in the form of four rebounds in four minutes of action. The Warriors continued to play aggressive defense, limiting the Crusaders to 35.7% shooting from the field. Heading into halftime, RCU was leading 49-25. 

SECOND HALF

The Crusaders made some adjustments that caught the Warriors off guard to begin the quarter, going on a 9-0 run after two minutes of play to get the lead under 20 points. However, the Warriors were determined not to allow a comeback effort to come to fruition, with Andrews dominating on offense. The guard hit several tough shots to stave off the run, including a pull-up three to set up the Warriors to go back up 20. RCU finished up the third with a 67-45 lead. 

After another run by the Crusaders, the Warriors bounced back thanks to big minutes from forward Grace Lodes, who attacked the paint and got Madonna's bigs into foul trouble. The Warriors continued to control the game thanks to a big three from Shahd Bakkar after a media timeout. From there, the Warriors did an excellent job both getting to the line and converting free throw attempts, allowing RCU to exit the day with a 92-60 win. 

STAT OF THE GAME

The Warriors excelled on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 55-26. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors take on Michigan-Dearborn on Wednesday, Feb. 12, traveling for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hannah Mitkus - Hannah Mitkus Photography