Chicago, Ill. – The frenetic pace that has come to define the style of 13th-ranked Olivet Nazarene was no match for the Roosevelt women's basketball team, as the Lakers outran the Tigers 112-96 at the UIC Physical Education Building on Saturday afternoon.
Junior guard Casey Davis scored a game- and season-high 31 points, while junior forward Maria Tamburrino matched a career best with 27 points for the Lakers (7-1, 5-1 CCAC), who turned in a season-high point total in the win.
The win was the third victory over a nationally-ranked foe in Roosevelt history and the first win for the Lakers over the perennial power Tigers (4-1, 4-1 CCAC), who were held six points under their season average of 112.5 ppg entering the game.
Olivet Nazarene's fast-paced strategy of quick scores, aggressive rebounding and constant defensive pressure was overcome by Roosevelt's efficient shooting, press-breaking passes and sprints to the cup that resulted in high-percentage looks, and a stifling Laker defense that turned the tables on the Tigers.
Roosevelt caused Olivet Nazarene to turn the ball over a season-high 33 times, while the Lakers held the Tigers to just 30.7 percent (27-for-88) shooting from the floor, including a mere 27.1 percent in the first half that put the visitors in an early hole that proved decisive.
The Lakers were able to get past the Olivet Nazarene press numerous times for easy looks and shoot 47.8 percent (44-for-92), including a clip of 56.8 percent in the opening period that helped Roosevelt go up by as many as 16 heading into halftime.
The Tigers got as close as eight midway through the second half, but Roosevelt rattled off 10 straight points and never looked back.
"The game came down to executing our game plan, which I thought we did really well," said Roosevelt head coach Robyn Scherr-Wells. "Our point guards did a phenomenal job of handling the ball and getting the ball up court. Maria and Casey finished very well, and we got some really key minutes off the bench from Erica Jordan, who did a fantastic job with nine points and eight rebounds in 13 minutes. Our defensive group of three freshmen and two juniors came in to press them and got some turnovers.
"I thought we played a complete game, and I couldn't be prouder of how the kids played today."
Three other Lakers added double-digit scoring, including 13 off the bench from Devin Talley, while five Lakers pulled down seven or more rebounds.
Roosevelt will take on Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Ind. this Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m.
