The Aquinas women's basketball team had a terrific defensive performance that propelled them to victory against Lawrence Tech on Wednesday evening (Feb. 9) in Southfield, Michigan. Combined with a team effort on the offensive end as all nine players registered at least two points, the Saints picked up a big WHAC road win over the Blue Devils 53-24.
AQ now has sole possession of fifth place in the conference at a 10-8 record with an overall record of 15-13. LTU falls to sixth in the WHAC at a 9-9 record, while also being 13-15 on the year overall.
Aquinas had an offensive explosion in the first 10 minutes of the game as the score was 19-8 at the end of the quarter. After Lawrence Tech led 5-4 at the 7:20 mark, the Saints scored 15 of the next 18 points to end the period. Six different players scored for AQ with
Marissa Brady leading the way at six points. The Saints also won the second period 15-10 to give them a 16-point advantage heading into halftime. The Blue Devils hit a three to open the quarter and cut the lead to eight, but AQ rattled off the next 11 points to gain the largest lead of the half at 19.
Jordyn Wigg scored the most points in the quarter at six as the Saints led 34-18 heading into the locker room.
The third quarter was a forgettable one for AQ as LTU climbed back into the ball game by outscoring the Saints 18-3 in the 10 minutes. Aquinas was clinging on to a one point lead heading into the fourth quarter as
Brighton Miller scored the only field goal and Brady added a free throw in the period. The offense returned in time for the final quarter, combining with the defense limiting the Blue Devils to six points. AQ has six field goals scored by six different players and did not let up a point to LTU for the final 8:34 of the ball game. The Saints ended the game on a 12-0 run to come away with the 11-point win.
Aquinas shot the ball at a 37.3% clip by going 19-51 from the floor and 13-20 from the free throw line. Lawrence Tech was limited to a 29.2% shooting percentage on 14-48 shots including 9-28 from behind the arc and 5-8 from the charity stripe.
Brady led the team in scoring (11) and steals (2), while being tied with
Emily Cline at seven rebounds as Cline also added six points. Wigg dished out the most assists with five, while also scoring nine points. In only her second start of the season,
Destini Lewis responded by scoring eight points in 15 minutes of action to go along with six boards.
Also contributing to the Saints' 53 points was Miller (7),
Daz'Sha Day (5),
Mauriya Barnes (3),
Eliza Brown (2), and
Isabel Reemsnyder (2).
Both teams ended the night with 37 rebounds and 12 assists a piece, while Aquinas had more steals (8-1) and Lawrence Tech had more blocks (2-0). The Saints forced 19 Blue Devils' turnovers and only turned the ball over 11 times themselves. AQ had a massive 28-6 advantage in points in the paint, while also scoring more points off turnovers (23-6), second chance points (12-5), and fast break points (6-2).
Aquinas will return home for senior day against Siena Heights on Saturday (Feb. 12) in Sturrus Center. The senior day festivities will take place prior to the 1:00 PM tip-off.
