(Peru, Neb.) – An impressive road win in a tight contest gives the Peru State College (PSC) Bobcat women a 5-4 mark after the first round of Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play.
The Bobcats toppled the Evangel University Crusaders 66-60 in Springfield, Mo., Saturday afternoon. Peru State improved to 10-11 overall with their third straight win. Evangel fell to 4-10 overall and 3-5 in the HAAC.
Peru State is presently fifth by themselves in the HAAC after the first nine games.
Game Action
It was a tight game throughout as neither team was able to build a substantial lead. At the end of the first half, PSC had a 27-23 advantage.
In the second half, it was tied on several occasions, but the 'Cats managed to outscore the Crusaders 39-37 to take the 66-60 victory.
Team Statistics
Peru State had one of its best games shooting as they made 28 of 52 field goals for 53.8%. Evangel shot fine as well making 22 of 52 tries for 42.3%, including hitting five of 17 three-pointers for 29.4%. PSC did not connect on any of its three-point tries.
Evangel connected on 11 of 14 free throws for 78.6% while PSC made 10 of 17 for 58.8%. The Crusaders did outrebound PSC, grabbing 31 boards compared to the Bobcats' 27. Peru State forced Evangel into 20 turnovers while the 'Cats had 15 miscues. PSC's 13 steals were key to their offensive success.
Individual Statistics
Adaugo Osuala (Lakewood, Colo.) led PSC with 22 points while shooting a remarkable 73.3% from the floor, hitting 11 of 15 field goal attempts. Osuala also grabbed five rebounds and had a game-high five steals.
Courtney Ward (Bartlesville, Okla.) added 20 points on eight of 12 shooting, along with making all four of her free throws. Ward had a game-high eight rebounds.
EVANGEL BOX SCORE
Upcoming Games
The Bobcats will be back on the road on Thursday when they travel to Olathe, Kan., to take on the MidAmerica Nazarene University Pioneers at 5:30 p.m. The 10
th-ranked Pioneers have won eight in a row, including a 95-66 win over Culver-Stockton on Saturday afternoon. MNU defeated PSC 73-64 in both team's first HAAC game of the season on Nov. 29.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, the 'Cats will be at home facing the Central Methodist University Eagles with the game scheduled to start at 2 p.m. The 22
nd-ranked Eagles lost on Saturday in double overtime to Baker 82-79 and are third in the HAAC. On Dec. 1, Central Methodist defeated PSC in Fayette, Mo., 65-58.
Saturday's game will be the Foundation's Annual Alumni Chili Feed. The National Alumni Committee will begin the chili feed at 2:30 p.m. or at halftime of the women's game.
