Fast-paced matchup favors Lady Bulldogs

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SWOSU Athletics file photo

Macy Gore recorded a double-double as the Lady Bulldogs won their 13th consecutive game.

SWOSU Athletics

The No. 17/22-ranked Lady Bulldogs nearly hit the century mark Saturday afternoon against Henderson State, defeating the Reddies 99-78 for their 13th consecutive victory.

On paper this matchup was set to be an offensive showdown, with both offenses ranking in the top 10 in NCAA Division II in offense by averaging more than 80 points per game. It was the Lady Bulldogs though who got the better of the matchup on Saturday.

SWOSU shared the basketball very well, with 10 different players scoring a basket. Both Macy Gore (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Bethany Franks (16 points, 15 rebounds) each recorded a double-double. Gore even flirted with a triple double, finishing with eight assists. Karly Gore matched her sister in points, also finishing with 19.

The first half was all offense with both squads wasting no time getting up and down the court. Both teams had runs in the beginning quarter, but SWOSU led 23-19 after 10 minutes.

The second quarter featured eight points off the bench from Layni Zinn, which helped SWOSU build a double-digit lead at halftime.

SWOSU had no trouble scoring thanks to an offense that was clicking. They shot 52.6% from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc in the first half and led 53-43 at halftime. The 53 points are the most points SWOSU has scored in a half all season – matching Thursday’s second half point total against Ouachita.

SWOSU took charge in the third quarter with an 11-2 run with Karly Gore scoring nine of those points. The home team doubled its lead in the third quarter and was ahead 74-54 going into the fourth quarter. Leading with a comfortable margin, the fast pace continued until the game ended.

As a team, the Lady Bulldogs shot an even 50% (36-of-72) from the field on the afternoon compared to Henderson State’s 39%. SWOSU also dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Reddies 49-31.

With the win, SWOSU extends its winning streak to 13 games and moves to 14-2 on the year and a perfect 8-0 in Great American Conference play. The Lady Bulldogs will play their next game on the road, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 at rival Northwestern Oklahoma State.