Behind a career high 29 points from Laura Johnson and a
showcase of 3-point shooting, the University of Sioux Falls women's basketball
team defeated McKendree University 86-50 at the opening round of the 2012 D2
Vegas Showdown Saturday evening in Las Vegas, Nev. With the win USF improves to 22-3 on the year
while McKendree dropped to 8-21.
After USF trailed 0-2 to start the game, Johnson put
together a 9-0 run, connecting on three consecutive three point attempts en
route to 16 first half points.
USF held McKendree to just six field goals in the first half
where they only converted 19% of their field goal attempts. The Cougars shot 55% from the field in the
first half and knocked down 7 out of 15 3-point attempts.
USF's hot shooting continued into the second half, where
they opened up a 30 point lead at the 15:30 mark after Laura Johnson hit her
sixth 3-pointer in the game, where they went on to record a 36 point victory.
Laura Johnson finished the game with a career high seven
3-pointers and career high 29 points on 11-14 shooting along with 8 rebounds
and 5 assists. Elizabeth Hildreth and Holli Aggen both hit double digit scoring as
well, with 14 and 13 points respectively.
McKendree was led by
Ashley Agee's 11 points, and Caty Ponce chipped in 10.
The Cougars outrebounded McKindree 43-36, and finished the
game on 53% fg shooting and an impressive 46% performance from behind the arc.
The Cougars return to action tomorrow where they will face
William Jewel College. Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM Pacific time.
