The Seattle University women’s basketball team used hot shooting and domination on the boards to rush out to a commanding lead and cruised to a 62-35 victory over University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Saturday evening.
SeattleU hit 51.5 percent of its field goal attempts in the first half to earn a 40-16 lead at halftime. The defense of the visitors was also strong, as Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras shot only 19.4 percent from the field before halftime, including 0-of-11 from the three-point line. Seattle University also posted a 59-23 rebounding advantage in the game.
Mercedes Alexander (Eugene, Ore.) earned her fourth consecutive double-digit rebounding game, pulling down 14 boards to go along with a team-high 11 points. Senior Chelsie Morrison (Portland, Ore.) collected 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three blocked shots. Breanna Salley (East Bethel, Minn.) also scored 10 points in the game, but went down with an ankle injury which makes her questionable for the Sunday game in Puerto Rico.
Tatiana Heck (Mountlake Terrace, Wash.) played a solid game off the bench, finishing with eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while guard Bianca Williams (Torrance, Calif.) also pulled down eight rebounds and Julee Christianson (Missoula, Mont.) grabbed six rebounds. Alysse Carlson (Ashland, Ore.) contributed seven points and five rebounds, Samantha Messersmith (Harold, Calif.) earned six points and five rebounds, Elle Kerfoot (Surrey, B.C.) finished with three points, four rebounds, and four assists, and Cassidy Murillo (Yakima, Wash.) hit a three-pointer to go along with three assists and three steals.
Seattle University (9-7) will face University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon tomorrow, Jan. 18, beginning at 5 p.m. local time (1 p.m. Seattle time). To access the live stats that are scheduled to be available, fans should go to www.cybersportsusa.com, click on "Live Games," then "View the Game List," and then selecting the game between the SeattleU and PR-Bayamon women’s basketball teams.