CHICAGO — Looking to kick off 2022 on a high note, the Concordia University Chicago women's basketball team took to the floor on Sunday afternoon against the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks. The Cougars were able to put together a complete team effort to down the Scarlet Hawks 74-62.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
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Ava Gardner led the Cougars with 15 points on 5-9 shooting.
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Jaylene Wade, Sydney Lloyd, and Bailey Steinkamp all scored in double figures.
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Wade also dished out eight assists and had five rebounds.
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The Cougars forced 24 IIT turnovers on the day, and gave it back just 16 times.
The Cougars got things going from the opening jump, getting two jumpers by Wade. CUC continued to add on throughout the first quarter, expanding the lead to eight on a Gardner three. The eight-point advantage held until late in the quarter when IIT hit a layup to make it 20-15 CUC at the end of one.
IIT cut the CUC advantage to just two to open the second. The Cougars answered with a 7-0 run, getting baskets by Alisyn MacGregor, Kayla Jackson, and a three from Nazuri Whigham. Illinois Tech battled their way back, tying the game at 29 on a Deriniece Moton free throw with 3:23 remaining in the quarter. CUC was able to answer again, getting a three from Wade and a jumper from Josey Kahl to give CUC a 34-29 lead at the half.
Early in the third, IIT was able to get things going offensively, taking a 38-36 lead on a Moton layup. CUC answered again with a 7-0 run powered by a Wade three and a three-point play by Steinkamp. The Cougars then were able to expand the lead to seven on a Lloyd jumper late in the third.
The Cougar lead hit double digits for the first time on the opening possession in the fourth on a
Madelyn McGrath three. CUC never let up from there, taking care of business from the free-throw line finishing the game 15-17. With the free-throws CUC closed out the 74-62 win to kick-off 2022.
With the win, Concordia improves to 5-5 overall and 4-1 in the NACC, just a game out of first place. IIT falls to 3-7 overall and 0-4 in the NACC.
The Cougars will have a quick turnaround and will return to action on Tuesday night at Dominican. Opening tip is set for 7:00 pm from the Igini Sports Forum. You can find live links at cucougars.com/coverage. You can also keep up with the team on Twitter @CUCWBBALL.
