Lady Wildcats Crush Vikings with 3rd Quarter Flury
Canton, Mo. – The Culver-Stockton Women’s Basketball team faced the Missouri Valley Vikings in a Heart of America Conference match-up. Currently fourth in the conference, the Wildcats played Missouri Valley, who stood just behind in fifth place; with the top four teams earning hosting rights for the tournament opener, the stakes were high.
Culver-Stockton led 14-12 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, the Wildcats struggled offensively, managing just 8 points while the Missouri Valley outscored them to take a 24-22 lead into halftime.
However, the momentum would swing in the third quarter when Nevaiah Bell-Tenner hit a three-pointer, giving the Wildcats a lead they would hold for the remainder of the game. Outscoring the Vikings 29-11, to give them a 51-35 lead going into the fourth. “Yeah, I thought it was great.” Said Coach Janette Burgin, on the adjustments made, “We did an excellent job in the third quarter. Taking what we talked about in the locker room at halftime out into the third quarter,”
The fourth quarter wouldn’t see much as both teams combined for 11 points, with Missouri Valley outscoring the Wildcats 6-5, giving the Wildcats a hard-earned win and helping their position in the conference.
After the win, coach Burgin discussed the win and what’s next for the team. “It’s huge. The work’s not done yet. I know there are some variables that go with it. We still have two games left to make sure we capitalize on here at home. But this was a big, big test of the kind of performance we can deliver down the stretch here. If we can continue to have those strides, I think we’re going to do some special things.”
The Wildcats will stay at home for their last two regular-season games. As they take on William Penn Statesmen on Wednesday, February 18th, with a 5:30 tip-off. Followed by Senior Night on Saturday, February 21st, where they take on the Clarke Pride with a 2 PM tip-off.
KEY STATS
Culver-Stockton 18-8 (12-6): 14, 8, 29, 5
Nevaiah Bell-Tenner – 12 PTS
Alyssa O’Conner – 8 REB
Alyssa O’Conner, Chloe Burnham – 6 AST
Missouri Valley 14-11 (11-7): 12, 12, 11, 6
Lexi Fenstermacher – 11 PTS
Sara Ortiz – 10 REB
Jessica Reeter – 3 AST
