THOMASVILLE, Ga. – With intense and tenacious play, the No. 7 Southeastern University women's basketball team overcame a season-high 29 turnovers to take down the Thomas University Night Hawks 87-61 on the road.
Senior guard
Bailey Hooker continued the scoring rampage she has been on as of late, scoring 11 of the Fire's 20 first quarter points. Hooker converted a spectacular four point play at the 4:19 mark of the quarter.
The Lutz, Fla. native finished the night with 30 points, her second consecutive game with 30 or more points scored. During the past week, she has shot 55.8% from the field, 46.9% from behind the arc, and scored 86 points.
The second quarter was pivotal for SEU. The Fire outscored the Night Hawks 17-2. During the quarter, Southeastern forced 11 turnovers and outrebounded the Night Hawks 14-5.
The Fire took a 37-15 lead into the half. The SEU defense limited Thomas to 27.3% shooting from the field (6-22) including 18.2% from three point range (2-11) in the first half.
"I feel like we played one of the best defensive halves we've played all year in the first half," shared Head Coach
Tim Hays.
The Night Hawks attempted to cut the deficit in the third quarter, stringing together an 11-4 run midway through the period. However, senior forwards
Sarah Green and
Christin Strawbridge stepped up their play to stifle any comeback attempt.
Strawbridge scored eight of her ten points in the third while Green recorded three blocks and five points. Green finished one board away from a double-double, having totaled 13 points and nine rebounds on the night.
The Fire grew their lead to as many as 27 in the fourth quarter.
Junior guard
Ana Richter was a key contributor for SEU, scoring 13 points scored while recording six rebounds. Graduate guard
Cassidy Block also impressed on the boards, hauling in seven rebounds of her own.
"We have plenty to work on still, but I am so proud of our girls and the passion and consistency they've played with all year. This team is special and so fun to coach," commented Coach Hays.
The Fire's next opponent will be none other than the Night Hawks once again. Thomas will travel to the Furnace next Thursday night. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.
