SALEM, Va.- The Randolph women's basketball team traveled to Roanoke on Saturday to face the Maroons. The WildCat defense held RC to a season-low 37 points and turned 24 Roanoke turnovers into 26 points of their own as Randolph won 69-37.
It is Randolph's first win over Roanoke since 2017 and ends a seven-game winless streak to the Maroons. The WildCats run their current winning streak to 13 games as they improve to 15-2 overall and 9-1 in the ODAC.
"Probably our most complete game of the season this far," said head coach Steve Lanpher. "I thought we set the tone defensively and really shared the ball offensively. Holding them defensively to 18 half time points really set the tone. I thought our ability to dominate the glass was crucial. Our defensive pressure allowed us to get some easy transition buckets."
The game was tied 4-4 with 6:33 remaining in the first quarter. Randolph then went on an 11-2 run to go ahead 15-6 with 1:13 showing on the clock. RC closed to six points but a three-pointer by Cameron O'Neil (Gloucester, Va./Gloucester) with time expiring restored Randolph's lead back to nine points.
The 'Cats added to their lead in the second quarter as they outscored Roanoke 20-9 in the period to go ahead 38-18 at halftime. Randolph stayed comfortably out in front as its advantage grew to 30 points in the third quarter and as much as 35 points in the fourth quarter.
On the day, Randolph was 25-of-67 (37.3%) from the floor and 7-of-23 (30.4%) in three-point attempts. The team was a collective 12-of-16 (75%) from the free throw line. The Maroons were14-of-43 (32.6%) overall but matched a season-low in three point shots made (1-for-10).
The WildCats held the rebounding advantage 48-31. In addition to outscoring the Maroons in points off turnovers (26-16), Randolph was 14-9 in second chance points, 24-20 in bench points and 32-18 in the paint.
O'Neil led the 'Cats with 15 points that all came from three-point baskets. Kylie Stark (Lynchburg, Va./Brookville) added 14 points and six rebounds. Jessica Jennings (Chesapeake, Va./Western Branch) contributed 12 points, seven steals, and five assists. Teniyah Crenshaw-Patterson (Newport News, Va./Heritage) finished with 11 points and five rebounds. Abbie Baker (Salem, Va./Patrick Henry) pulled down a season-high 14 rebounds.
"In the half court we really valued the ball and took great care of it with only 14 turnovers," noted Lanpher. "Additionally, I thought we moved the ball well and found open players…really loved our balance today."
Randolph hosts Hollins this coming Wednesday. Game time will be at 5:00 p.m. from Giles Gymnasium.