Oakland City, IN - The Oakland City University women's basketball team, owners of a 19-7 record, including 14-4 within the conference, earned the second seed in the west division of the 2023 River States Conference Tournament, where they hosted the Golden Bears of West Virginia University Tech, the third seed in the east division, with a record of 16-12, 9-8 in conference play. After pulling out to an early 20-8 lead by the end of the opening quarter, the Oaks cruised to a 101-72 victory.
The top seed in the east division, the Red Storm of the University of Rio Grande, downed the Red Wolves of IU East, the west division's fourth seed, 99-66, and will next host the Oaks in a rematch of Rio Grande's only conference loss of the year. OCU won their first meeting 105-90, in the Johnson Center, on January 21.
Taylor Dillard led the way for the Oaks in what most likely was her last game in the Johnson Center, scoring 16 points while handing out a game high six assists.
Davinique Campbell added 13 counters to go with a team-best eight rebounds, while
Kyrisha Hay came off the bench to score 11.
Jalaya Dowell added eight points and six rebounds, while
Emilee Hope, who was presented a commemorative ball to recognize her joining the 1,000 point club, battled foul trouble before being called for her fifth after scoring eight points.
Faith Silva led all scorers in the game, posting 23 points for the Golden Bears, making 7-19 from the field, including 5-15 from three point range. Ca'Vashia Johnson added 17 points off the bench, followed by Alyssa Taylor's 10 point effort. Alva Hedrich had game-highs of nine rebounds and four blocked shots from her post position.
As a team, the Oaks connected on 41-81 (50.6%) of their shot attempts, including 9-22 (40.9%) from three point range. WVU Tech made 22-62 (35.5%) from the field, going 7-22 (31.8%) from beyond the arc. OCU went 10-16 (62.5%) from the foul line compared to 21-29 (72.4%) for the visiting Golden Bears.
Overall, the Mighty Oaks held a 47-38 rebounding advantage, including a 19-16 edge on the offensive boards. OCU handed out 22 assists, compared to eight for the Golden Bears, while forcing 26 turnovers, a full ten more than they committed. Steals were 13-7 in favor of the Oaks, while blocked shots were 4-3 in favor of the visitors.
