Box Score
LAKE WALES, Fla. –The Warner University women’s basketball team continued their winning streak over Edward Waters College in a 72-62 win Friday night (Jan. 22) in the Turner Athletic Center. The Royals have now won four of their last meetings with the Tigers.
The Royals (8-11, 2-4 The Sun Conference) and Tigers (5-15, 1-5 The Sun Conference) played a back-and-forth first half with six ties and five lead changes in the frame. The Royals jumped out to an early 9-4 lead within the first five minutes thanks to consecutive layups from Christina Howard. The Tigers would eventually take a five-point lead of their own, as they waged a 13-3 run to take a 17-12 lead. The Tigers lead increased to eight points 32-24 with 3:48 left in the half on a three-pointer from Marquinta Ridgel. The Royals answered by closing out the half with an 8-0 run thanks to back-to-back jumpers from Krystal Glass to go in the half knotted at 32.
The Royals kept the momentum from the first half going, as they took an early nine-point lead in the second half, 48-39, on a jumper from Alake Jackson. The Tigers were able to pull within one; however the Royals rallied off three consecutive layups to push their lead to seven and never looked back. The Tigers picked up on the defensive side, playing a frantic style of defense, but the Royals adapted to the Tigers defense and were able close out the game with a 10-point cushion.
Ivana Soberal heated up in the second half, scoring 16 points in the frame to finish with a game-high 20 points. She was a perfect 8-for-8 from the line while dishing four assists and snatching three steals. Also scoring in double figures was Howard and Jackson with 12 and 10 points respectively. Howard also wreaked havoc on defense, swatting three blocks while grabbing seven rebounds.
The Royals dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Tigers 45-30 with Sammie Clark leading the way with 16 rebounds, one shy of tying Warner’s individual record for rebounds in a game. She also found her teammates as she dished three assists.
The Royals defense also held Tigers’ scoring leader Ebony Presha to only nine points, under her 12.9 ppg average. Tieura Quick led the Tigers offense with 14 points.
The Royals have no time to relax as they return to action tomorrow afternoon when they travel to cross-town and conference foe Webber International University for a 2 p.m. game in Babson Park.
Don't forget to watch the postgame interview on the Warner Athletics channel.