by TULSA, Okla. – A complete team effort helped lift the Oral Roberts women’s basketball team to a 79-55 win Saturday over Western Illinois at the Mabee Center.
The Golden Eagles snapped a three-game skid thanks to efficient shooting and solid defense. ORU shot 49.3 percent from the field and added six steals and nine blocks defensively.
Five players for ORU scored in double figures led by a career-high from Maria Martianez finishing with 20 points. Martianez was 8-of-12 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free throw line and pulled down nine boards.
Faith Ihim added 15 points while Blair Bryce, Kaylan Mayberry and Ashley Beatty (Caddo/Lakota/Gros Ventre) all finished with 11 points each. Ihim also pulled down eight boards while Bryce added a season-high four blocks.
Sophie Reichelt finished with a double-double scoring 14 points and pulling down 14 rebounds for the Leathernecks. Taylor Higginbotham also scored double figures adding 10.
TURNING POINT
ORU went on a 14-5 run over the final 5:16 of the third quarter to break open a five point game and take a 59-45 lead. The Golden Eagles would also double up the Leathernecks in the fourth quarter 20-10 to seal a 79-55 victory after shooting 50 percent from the field in the second half.
THE LEADERS
Oral Roberts: Maria Martianez scored a season-high 20 points and pulled down nine boards. Faith Ihim added 15 points and eight rebounds.
Western Illinois: Sophie Reichelt tallied a double-double for the Leathernecks with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– ORU shot a season-high 49 percent from the field while holding WIU to 33 percent.
– Five players scored in double figures for the first time since the season opener against Evangel.
– The Golden Eagles turned the ball over just 10 times, their fewest since a five turnover game at Omaha on Jan. 21.
– ORU splits the season series with Western Illinois and leads the all-time series 21-48.
– ORU is 1-0 this season wearing pink jerseys.
UP NEXT
The Golden Eagles close the regular season Thursday as they host Omaha for Senior Day. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Mabee Center.
