Concordia, KS – The Iowa Western women's basketball team started 2020 with a victory after defeating Cloud County 73-56 on Thursday, January 2.
The Reivers came out on fire offensively, scoring 21 first-quarter points and shooting 50% from the field, and 71.4% from three. The Thunderbirds gained momentum in the second quarter, going on a 9-2 run, leveling the score 23-17. Two big free throws by Hayley Berfield and an offensive rebound and assist from Sommer Blakemore to LaShawn Sweet pushed the lead to 34-24 with one minute remaining in the second quarter.
The Reivers picked up the defensive pressure in the third quarter, holding the Thunderbirds to 10 points, and putting up 23 respectively. Sophomore captain Sommer Blakemore was pivotal on the offensive end, shooting 4-4 from the field and 2-2 from three in the third quarter. Blakemore would go on to lead all scorers, ending the game with 22 points. Blakemore was phenomenal, shooting 8-9 from the field and 5-5 from the three-point line. Freshman Solape Amusan also had a standout game, scoring 18 points and grabbing 6 boards. Jaiden Morris also added 11 points and Hayley Berfield covered the stat line, finishing with 10 points, 6 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Collectively the Reivers dished out 16 assists, just shy of their season-high 19 they set earlier in the season. However, another season-high was set as the team shot 47.8% from the three-point line. The Reivers are currently just shy of being in the Top 25 in the Nation (NJCAA D1 women's basketball) for three-pointers made per game, at 7.5.
The Reivers are back in action in Reiver Arena, Saturday, January 4th against Iowa Central. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m.
