DANIKA RADEMACHER, KNIGHT WIRE WRITER
The Wartburg Knights women’s basketball team conquered the Buena Vista University Beavers Friday night, Jan. 21, in Levick Arena.
Coming off a five-game winning streak, the Knights came out for battle against Buena Vista University in Levick Arena.
A slow start escalated quickly for the Wartburg Knights into an 8-0 run. The Knights opening baskets came from Jaedon Murphy, Hannah Anderson, and Brea Dillavou. Murphy started the Knights’ run with two free throws that were quickly followed by a 3-pointer by Anderson. Shortly to follow, Dillavou hit a layup to increase the Knights’ lead to 8-0.
The Knights’ defensive presence in the first quarter alone caused the Beavers to have seven turnovers, including a 10-second violation and two shot-clock violations. The Knights had converted the seven turnovers into more scoring opportunities.
In the second quarter, the Knights forced another seven turnovers, but that did not stop the Beavers from capitalizing this quarter. Outscoring the Knights 11-17, they shrunk the lead to 4 points going into halftime at 31-27.
In the third quarter, the Knights came out in full force outscoring the Beavers 25-7. The Beavers came out with an early steal; however, the Knights turned it into a long defensive stop. The Knights used that momentum for an assist from Macy Harris to Murphy.
Murphy then hit a 3-pointer on the next offensive possession. The Knights continued to go on a 16-4 run, including seven steals and nine total turnovers.
The fourth quarter is when the Knights officially sealed the deal, having the biggest lead at 32 points, 77-45. The Knights forced 10 turnovers in the fourth quarter and attempted to capitalize on every chance possible. The Knights’ ability to play fast and continue with the fast movement of the ball allowed open shots on the outside and inside the lane.
Checking out the Numbers
The Knights shot 42.3 percent from the field and made 5 three-pointers (22.7 percent behind the arc). Wartburg went 14-of-16 from the free throw line (87.5 percent).
The Knights forced 33 turnovers by the Beavers and collected 27 points off turnovers. The Knights’ bench contributed 35 points in the victory.
Sara Faber led the Knights in scoring, leading all scorers with 18 points (9-of13 FG, 0-of-2 3-pointer). Murphy added 16 points (6-of-7 FG, 2-of-3 3-pointer) and Harris went 5-of-10 FG (15 points). Harris also went perfect from the free throw line (5-of-5). Britney Young led all rebounding efforts for the Knights, collecting 5 of the Knights’ 42 rebounds. All Knights got into the game against the Beavers.
After a 79-50 win over Buena Vista University, the Wartburg women’s basketball team moves to a six-game winning streak and 7-0 in the American Rivers Conference.
Knights in the Poll
In the D3hoops.com rankings, the Knights stayed at No. 13 following impressive outings by the Knights.
In the Women’s Basketball Coaches Associations (WBCA), the Knights are still ranked at No. 15 as of the January 18 poll.
Next Time Out
The Knights are set to host the University of Dubuque for a Jan. 26 game inside Levick Arena. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.
Knight Wire 
Leave a Reply