January 24, 2024
WU Holds Off USK, Looks to Build Momentum
The Westcliff women's basketball team took care of business as they took down the University of Saint Katherine Firebirds 58-52 on Tuesday evening.
The Warriors were in much need of a win after having lost their last two games. With the win, they improved to (8-8, Cal Pac 6-5) and remained one of the top six teams in the conference.
Only eight players suited up for the Warriors as injuries and other factors have limited the availability of key players.
But the starters made sure to leave their mark on the floor and four of them were able to reach double-digits.
Akillah Kubi was the only nonstarter who missed double-digit scoring by one point. But it did not diminish her importance and impact as she almost had a double-double with 10 rebounds and nine points.
Kubi was instrumental in the Warriors' win which earned her player of the game.
Katie Nguyen, Jalen Long, and Valisa Millhouse each scored 10 points. Millhouse also added eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
Eva Taylor scored 15 points as she shot 50% from the field and went perfect from three-point range, sinking her three attempts.
Taylor's threes were crucial to start the game as she hit two three-pointers in the first quarter which gave the Warriors the lead on back-to-back possessions.
Westcliff kept a marginal lead throughout the first two quarters and it wasn't until the third quarter that they could take a double-digit lead. Long was a big part of this with a three-pointer and a layup early in the third.
The Warriors took an 11-point lead heading into the fourth quarter and were determined not to give it away.
Although USK tried hard to stage a comeback, Westcliff was able to hold them off and earn a much-needed win to lift the spirits of everyone on the team.
Up next the Warriors will take on UAV back at home in what promises to be a good reach from their first encounter.
Westcliff lost to UAV in their first meeting of the season and they are currently the No. 2 seed in the conference.
Westcliff is No. 6 but it's only a couple of games back from the third seed.
The game against UAV will take place Thursday, January 25th, with a start time of 5:30 PM at the Jordan Lawley Gym.