JBU women push tempo in blowout of Ecclesia
“Go, go, go!” was coach Jeff Soderquist’s reaction to most every defensive rebound or turnover forced by John Brown University’s women’s team during Saturday night’s season opener.
The No. 12 Golden Eagles (1-0) pushed an up-tempo attack to the tune of a 116-37 win against Ecclesia College at Bill George Arena. It resulted in a 12-0 run to begin the game and a 11-0 run to begin the second quarter as they scored 28 fast-break points during the lopsided victory.
The point total was the most since a 124-51 victory over Crowley’s Ridge last season. As a team, JBU tied a school record with 39 assists while forcing the Royals into 27 turnovers.
“We really picked it up last year with this group by really upping the tempo,” Soderquist said. “We set the school record for most points and most points averaged, so we’re trying to keep that going right there.”
JBU shot a sizzling 58.2 percent from the floor led by newcomer Karina Chandra, who was 9 of 13 shooting for a game-high 24 points in 18 minutes off the bench. The Australian native was 6 of 9 from three-point range to go along with three assists and two steals.
“She is very good,” Soderquist said. “She’s kind of new trying to fit in and understanding our system and all of that, but we knew coming in she would be a great three-point shooter and she’s also a great passer.
“Just trying to get her playing
consistently on defense, but she adds a lot to us, especially to a team that led the nation last year in all three-point categories, so we add her to that mix and that’s really going to help us.”
Siloam Springs native Baily Cameron was 10 for 15 from the field to begin her junior campaign with 21 points in just 19 minutes. Sophomore Jordan Martin (Bentonville) contributed 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
“Of course, Baily was very good and we had several others play very good for us,” Soderquist said. “Martin has kind of been
My big thing with this game was wanting to keep focused throughout the game. I thought we did that and sometimes, games like this can get sloppy and I don’t think it did. Our depth obviously showed tonight. Jeff Soderquist JBU women’s basketball coach
injured for us this fall. She hasn’t been able to play in the scrimmages, so it was really good to see her come out and get double digits for us.”
Senior Jana Schammel hit three, three-pointers to finish with 11 points and K.J. Roh added eight points on 4-of-6 shooting. Soderquist also applauded the performance of Ally Teague, a sophomore from Berryville who had 10 points and seven rebounds.
“I thought Ally Teague came off the bench for us and played well after not playing much last year,” Soderquist said. “Rosa (Orpa) was out sick, so I thought Ally stepped up and played really well in her place.”
JBU limited Ecclesia (12) to 22.2 percent shooting from the field. The Golden Eagles led by as many as 79 points in the second half as the arena began filling up for the annual “Toilet Paper Game” that followed, creating a wild atmosphere down the stretch.
“My big thing with this game was wanting to keep focused throughout the game,” Soderquist said. “I thought we did that and sometimes, games like this can get sloppy and I don’t think it did. Our depth obviously showed tonight.”
Ecclesia (1-2) was led by Haley Gresham with 16 points while Emily Chadwell chipped in 13 points and three assists.
The Golden Eagles were scheduled to return to action Tuesday at Benedictine (Kan.). Results were not available at presstime. JBU returns to the court at 6 p.m. Saturday at Evangel (Mo.). John Brown 116, Eccleisa 37
Ecclesia 12 8 11 6 — 37 John Brown 28 32 34 22 — 116 Ecclesia (0-1): Gresham 16, Chadwell 13, Smith 3, Stallings 3, McGraw 2.
John Brown (1-0): Chandra 24, Cameron 21, Martin 12, Schammel 11, Teague 10, Fergen 9, Roh 8, Skrastina 7, Williams 7, Fine 5, Reece 2.