EDMOND, Okla. – In the season opener for both teams, Oklahoma Christian held Chadron State under 20 points in the first half and more than doubled CSC's free throw attempts in a 73-48 win for the hosts in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Also nicknamed the Eagles, the Oklahoma team limited the visitors to just nine points in each of the first two quarters while building a 37-18 halftime margin.
Chadron State improved its scoring in the second half, tallying 15 points in both the third and fourth frames, and outscoring Oklahoma Christian 15-12 in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma Christian shot 42.9 percent (21-49) from the field while CSC was hit 30.8 percent (16-52). The hosts also were 29 of 41 at the free throw line and the visitors were 10-16.
True freshmen were among CSC's standout performers. Cedar Rapids, Iowa's Ella Moser was the team's leading scorer with 12 points, all of which came from behind the arc. Fort Collins, Colorado freshman Kenna Wagner had a team-high five rebounds while Moser and Wagner tied for the team lead with three assists.
Thanks to 4-of-7 shooting Moser, CSC had a six-to-two advantage in made three-pointers. Next in scoring for CSC behind Moser's 12 was Audrey Quintana, who finished with eight points while making all six of her free throws. Returning Eagles Camren Morris and McKenzi Petersen had six points apiece.
Head coach Jalen Little put 14 different players on the court as CSC searched for the right lineup combination. Quintana, junior Evelyn Old Coyote and Wagner tied for the team lead with 20 minutes played.
Kenzie Willis, a 5-11 junior, led the Oklahoma team in scoring with 15 points and rebounding with six. The hosts outrebounded their guests 40-23.
Oklahoma Christian and Chadron State will rematch tomorrow afternoon, with tipoff at 1 p.m. MT (2 p.m. CT). Chadron State will then visit Wayne State on Saturday, Nov. 22 and play exhibition games at the University of Wyoming on Tuesday, Nov. 25 and the University of Northern Colorado on Saturday, Nov. 28 before opening their Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule in December.
Chadron State—Ella Moser 12, Audrey Quintana 8, Camren Moser 6, McKenzi Petersen 6, Amya Winfrey 5, Kenna Wagner 4, Bianca Bindzus 3, Evelyn Old Coyote 2, Kenziah Toran 2. Totals: 16-52 FG (6-25 3PT) 10-16 FT. 48 points, 23 rebounds, 22 turnovers.
Oklahoma Christian—Kenzie Willis 15, Taylor Jackson 11, Allyah Leusogi-Ape 10. Sofia Lopez 9, Kendall Brown 8, Faith Ford 7, Sophie Bennett 5, Trinity Dobbs 2, Hailey Whitman 2, Cambri Pawpa 2, Ahniya Melton 2, Totals: 21-49 FG (2-12 3PT) 29-41 FT. 73 points, 40 rebounds, 19 turnovers.
