12/6 - GEORGE FOX 70, CASCADE 37: Bruins Race Away from Thunderbirds with Explosive Second Half
NEWBERG, Ore. - Overcoming a slow offensive first half that saw them holding a slim 5-point lead at the half, the George Fox University Bruins exploded for 41 second-half points and raced away to a 70-37 win over the Cascade College Thunderbirds in a non-conference women's basketball game Saturday afternoon here at Miller Gym in the Wheeler Sports Center.
Both teams struggled offensively in the opening minutes, George Fox hitting only 2 of its first 11 shots and Cascade connecting only once in its first 8 tries, and the Bruins led only 4-2 just under 8 minutes into the game. There were 8 lead changes and 6 ties before the Bruins finally took the lead for good 22-20 on a Robin Taylor layup with 4:21 left in the half. The Bruins held a 29-24 halftime margin after hitting only 33.3% (12-36) from the field, and the T'birds were not much better at 34.6% (9-26).
Hitting 56.3% (18-32) in the second half while holding Cascade to a meager 11.1% (3-27), the Bruins pulled away to a 10-point lead at 39-29 with 15-and-a-half minutes left and coasted the rest of the way, outscoring the T'birds 41-13. The final score was the Bruins' biggest margin.
Kim Leith came off the bench to lead the Bruins with 20 points, sinking 8-12 shots, and Darby Cave added 14 on 7-10 shooting. Sarah Myhre had 9 rebounds and Liz Clark 8 as the Bruins controlled the backboards 48-35. Kellie Thomas had 6 assists.
For Cascade, Molly Wilson had 12 points and Tawanna Dial 10. Dial had 8 rebounds and Wilson had 6 assists. The T'birds finished the game with a 22.6% shooting night, making 12-53 from the floor, and committed 23 turnovers.
George Fox is now 4-1 after winning its home opener, while Cascade falls to 0-7.
The Bruins return to action Friday (Dec. 12), hosting St. Martin's College at 7:00 p.m. The Thunderbirds host Lewis & Clark College Monday (Dec. 8) at 7:30 p.m.