Oakland City, IN - After a blind draw pitted the Oakland City University women's basketball team against the Pioneers of Point Park University, with a second draw giving OCU a home game, the Oaks squared off in the opening round of the River States Conference Tournament, with Asbury University awaiting the winner. The Oaks jumped out to a 29-17 lead after the opening quarter, leading the rest of the way, pushing their advantage to as many as 34 points en route to a 101-75 victory.
Tabby Klem led all scorers in the game with 25 points, going 9-13 from the field, including 6-9 from three point range, to lead the OCU effort.
Taylor Dillard posted 19 points and a game high 10 assists, while
Malia Schmittler added 17 points, on 8-9 shooting, and seven rebounds.
Emilee Hope notched 16 counters, adding nine assists, eight boards, and five steals.
Taylor Rinn paced the Pioneers, scoring 21 points, on 9-21 shooting, while hauling in nine missed shots, followed by Taylor Kirschner, who scored 19 points, making 8-18 from the field. Michelle Burns was the only other PPU player to reach double digits, knocking down 6-17 overall, including 5-13 from distance, on her way to a 17 point effort.
As a team, the Oaks made 41-77 (53.2%) of their field goal tries, including 12-28 (42.9%) from three point range. The Pioneers connected on 31-81 (38.3%) from the field, going 9-31 (29.0%) from beyond the arc. OCU made 7-8 (87.5%) from the foul line, compared to 4-9 (44.4%) for the visitors.
Both teams had 44 rebounds in the game, with OCU trailling 18-11 on the offensive glass. The Oaks handed out 28 assists, compared to 16 for PPU, while leading the turnover battle 15-18.
The Oaks will travel to Wilmore, Kentucky, to take on the Asbury University Eagles, a team they have dropped a pair of games to during the season, losing 91-70 on the road on January 19, then falling 100-91, in overtime, at home on February 13. Their quarterfinal matchup will take place on Wednesday, February 24.
