By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Peoria, IL---Karahn Scott poured in a career-high 28 points to help the No. 9 Express women's basketball team defeat Erie Community College 70-58 in the consolation quarterfinals of the NJCAA D-II National Tournament today.
The sophomore forward finished 10-for-24 from the field, while adding a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Express trailed 17-15 with just under 10 minutes left in the first half before breaking the game open with a 13-0 run in a little over four minutes. Later, Scott hit a tough shot in the paint, followed by a fast break basket to end the half with the Express up 34-25
Scott finished the first half with 13 points and eight rebounds.
With 17:35 left, Jordyn Bond converted a 3-point play to put the Express up 39-25. Scott then scored her 9th and 10th points of the half with 12:50 left to give the Express a 49-31 lead.
Less than a minute later, Nandi Taylor drained a 3-pointer from the left wing to push the lead to 19.
They would eventually push the lead to as many as 21 before Erie trimmed the lead over the final few minutes.
Mackenzie Heacock assisted Scott and the Express with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Bond added five points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks.
Taylor added a team-high five assists, along with seven points.
Alexis Gray led Erie with 25 points and five rebounds, while Garisha Greer had 10 points.
Each team struggled mightily from the foul line. Erie was 12-for-24, while the Express finished 15-for-30. Additionally, the two teams combined for 54 turnovers.
Bond, Breonna House and Meshia Smith all fouled out for the Express, while Jazzae Verse fouled out for Erie. Three other players combined added four fouls.
Notes
With the win, the Express will now advance to take on St. Louis Community College on the NJCAA D-II National Tournament Consolation Semifinals at 11 a.m. (CT) tomorrow.
