Heidi Mueller nailed five long-range efforts in the triumph. (Photo Credit: Doug Pfeiler)
SALEM, Ore. – The No. 22-ranked Corban University women's basketball team flexed its muscles on both sides of the ball on Friday evening, utilizing a complete team effort to down The Evergreen State College, 79-45.
"We were very balanced tonight," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "We got to play a lot of different combinations."
The majority of the first quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with the Geoduck starting-five aptly keeping the pace with the Warrior offense. However, an 11-4 run—capped off by a beautiful cross-court pass from Treasure Farmer and a buzzer-beating finish on the other end by Kendra Murphy—helped the Navy and Gold take a 20-13 advantage into the second frame.
Continuing their hot shooting, the Warriors doubled Evergreen's second-quarter output, outscoring the Geoducks 20-10 and expanding their lead to 17 at the half.
From there on out, the game never left Corban's control, as the Warriors limited Evergreen to just 22 second-half points, emphatically closing out the 79-45 triumph. Tonight's victory marks the fewest points allowed by the Warriors against a Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) opponent so far this season.
The Warrior defense kept their CCC foe from maintaining any sort of rhythm throughout the night, forcing 10 turnovers. In addition, Corban collected 15 offensive rebounds, winning the battle of the boards by a 48-29 margin. The Warriors made sure to capitalize on Evergreen's missed opportunities, ending the night with 16 points off of turnovers and 14 second-chance points.
Leading the team in scoring was Heidi Mueller (15 points, 5-of-10 from three), who came off the bench and provided consistent offense from beyond the arc. Three other Warriors finished in double digits, with Emily Yost dominating down low with 14 points and seven boards, Farmer notching 11 points and eight assists, and Jordan Rasberry completing a double-double with her 11-point, 10-rebound performance.
"It is always good to see Heidi knocking down shots," Pilgeram added, "and Jordan's double-double in 19 minutes was outstanding!"
The Warriors (15-7, 9-3 CCC) will look to complete the weekend sweep tomorrow night, when they host Northwest University at 5:30 p.m.