Offensive rebounds keep Athenas in battle with Biola

CLAREMONT, Calif. – The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's basketball team faced a stout opponent in Biola University today. The NAIA team that plays in Westmont's conference extended its lead from five points at the half to 14 by the end of the game, beating the Athenas 66-51 on Saturday afternoon in Roberts Pavilion.

The first quarter saw solid defense on both sides. Biola had as much as an eight point lead but then CMS held the Eagles scoreless for the final four and a half minutes. The Athenas hauled in five offensive boards in the quarter, foreshadowing the aggressive rebounding that they would have for the whole game.

Going into the second quarter, CMS trailed by just five points but then started to have success from beyond the arc. Junior Kailee Severt (CMC) led the team with three 3-pointers and put up 13 points in the second quarter alone. Severt and senior Kris Brackmann (CMC) hit back-to-back threes, both assisted by senior Aly Young (CMC), to bring the game within two points late in the quarter. The Eagles' Sara Dougan made a layup and then sunk an and-one to finish the half to give Biola the five point lead at 28-23.

CMS had more offensive rebounds than defensive in the third as freshman Maya Love (CMC) lead with two. The team was a mere 21.4 percent effective from the field and amassed just 10 points in the quarter.

Freshman Gloria Bates (CMC) came in and contributed six minutes in the fourth quarter while grabbing two offensive boards. Senior Claire Donnelly (CMC) was the Athenas' leading scorer with seven points in the quarter after being sent to the line twice. On Biola's side, Annie Park was good for 10 points and three assists in the final stanza as she helped the Eagles stretch out their lead beyond CMS' reach.

Ultimately, the Athenas recorded 23 offensive rebounds, the most since Jan. 30, 2016 in the 67-47 victory over Caltech. Severt led with 17 points while Donnelly had eight rebounds.

The Athenas (4-5) will take a short break for the holidays and return to the court on Dec. 29 at 6 p.m. for another non-conference game against Bowdoin. The Polar Bears compete in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and are 8-0 so far this year.

Box Score

By Emily Nordhoff
Sports Information Director

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