SOU Runs Winning Streak to Nine
ASHLAND, Ore. - Five SOU Raiders scored in double figures Wednesday night and the team rolled to a 99-86 win over Simpson University in NAIA college basketball action at McNeal Pavilion.
The win is the ninth consecutive for SOU, which improved its season record to 12-2 overall hearing into Cascade Conference play Friday night at Concordia in Portland.
SOU jumped on top early and never trailed in the game. Breaking away from a 4-4 tie SOU shot 54% in the first half thanks to some timely shooting by Emily Brookins and Ashley Baker. By halftime SOU held a 42-35 advantage.
"Simpson played hard tonight," said SOU Coach Lynn Kennedy. "They have really improved since our first meeting in November. Micha Pringle ran their offense effectively and hit some timely shots to keep them close. "
Kennedy added, "it was nice to get playing time for everyone in preparation for a tough conference road trip this weekend."
SOU was led by 17 points from Ashley Baker, 16 each from Carly Wood and Emily Brookins; Chelsey Muri also added 16 points after being named Cascade Conference Player of the Week. Whitney Scott contributed 12 points. SOU shot 52% for the game and out-rebounded the Lady Hawks by a 45-35 margin.
Simpson fell to 4-11 overall with their second loss to SOU. Sara Fairburn hit 28 points on 12-25 shooting and Micha Pringle added another 25 points for Simpson. The Hawks shot 50% for the game on 36-71 shooting and committed 17 turnovers.
SOU is off to its best start since the 1998-99 season and gets back to Cascade Conference action this weekend playing at Concordia on Friday and Corban on Saturday night. The Corban SOU game will be broadcast live on radio and the Internet, KEZX AM 730 and www.sousports.com