by GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona Christian University women’s basketball team (6-2) toppled the No. 4-ranked Mustangs of The Master’s University (2-1) Saturday evening, winning convincingly, 79-66 inside the ACU Events Center.
Thoughts from Coach:
After the big win, an elated Rusty Rogers commented, “This was a great bounce-back performance from our squad after the disappointing effort last Wednesday. We knew The Master’s was in a difficult spot with a critical injury and very few practice opportunities but, come on, we just took down the fourth-ranked team in NAIA and we did it with tremendous hustle, fight and toughness – things we have rarely seen so far this season!”
Game Details:
Despite both teams being GSAC members, the contest will not count toward either team’s conference record as it was added as an extra game.
ACU is now 6-13 all-time against The Master’s. The win snaps a three-game losing streak for the Firestorm against the Mustangs dating back to the 2018-19 season. The win is also ACU’s first over an NAIA-ranked opponent since that same season. Tonight’s loss is the first regular-season road loss for the Mustangs in nearly two calendar years, dating back to Feb 16, 2019.
The Firestorm dominated the first half and entered halftime up by 14, 39-25. The Master’s would perform better in the second half, fighting to get the score within 10 points in the fourth period. ACU would hang on and increased its lead to as many as 18 late in the fourth and would go on to earn the convincing win, 79-66.
Inside the Box Score:
- Des Gonzalez: 17 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one block
- Kaycee Brown: 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal
- Baylee Slaughter: 16 points, two rebounds, two assists, two steals
- Kirsten Shinske: Eight points. Four steals, three assists, two rebounds
