by WICHITA, Kan. — The Friends University Falcons forced 36 turnovers and grabbed 18 steals en route to a 68-46 win Monday (Jan. 11) over the Southwestern College Moundbuilders inside the Garvey Center. The win halts a two-game losing skid and gives them their tenth consecutive victory over Southwestern.
Gracie Sammons (SO/Aubrey, Texas) scored a career-high 16 points thanks to four three-pointers to lead the Falcons to their first win of the new year.
The Falcons jumped out to an early 9-2 lead after a three from Bridget Busbee (SO/Grand Prairie, Texas) and back-to-back triples by Sammons. The Moundbuilders fought back to cut the lead to 13-9, but from there it was all Falcons.
Another Sammons three sparked an 8-1 spurt to open the second quarter that gave the Falcons a 23-10 edge. Friends closed the opening half on a 10-3 run, giving the Falcons a 33-18 advantage heading into the break.
Southwestern cut the lead to 10 twice in the third quarter but the Falcons responded with an 11-0 that put the game out of reach.
Maddie Jessepe (PBPN/Chickasaw ) finished with eight points and a season-high-tying nine rebounds. Lydia Marshall (FR/Colorado Springs, Colo. ) added eight points on 2-of-6 shooting, both field goals from beyond the arc.
The Falcons grabbed 20 offensive rebounds in the win. They have recorded at least 20 offensive rebounds in six games this season, and four of the last five games.
