HOUSTON - HBU Women's Basketball took on Northwestern State University in a mid-day matchup on Saturday, Jan. 2 in Sharp Gym, ringing in the new year with an 82-56 victory to start SLC play.
The Huskies (4-3, 1-0 SLC) capitalized in the first five minutes of game after a three-pointer drained by Julija Vujakovic to start the game. Forcing 10 turnovers and going 10-for-10 in free throws, the Demons (0-5, 0-1 SLC) were outscored 25-9 to finish the period. Timia Jefferson scored her first 11 points in the first. After gaining a 27- point lead with two minutes remaining, HBU maintained their lead with 46-23 going into the half going 15-for-15 at the line, shooting 45.2 percent from the field versus NSU 26.9 percent.
The Huskies continued to push their lead into the third and after a seven-point run in the last two minutes from NSU, the Demons try to close in ending the third 61-47. With another Vujakovic three-pointer to begin the fourth, HBU cruises into a 12-point run with seven minutes left. The Huskies gained the largest lead of the game 77-50 and with only allowing nine points from the Demons, Naomi Pierce finished with a couple free throws resulting in an 82-56 victory for HBU.
Jefferson led with 16 points and five steals, her seventh game in a row in double-digit scoring, with N'Denasija Collins close behind with 14 points and seven rebounds. Kennedy Wilson posted 11 points and five boards and Marilyn Nzoiwu lead in rebounds with eight with an added six points and two blocks. Vujakovic and Abbey Sutherland each contributed eight points with Sutherland adding four blocks.
The Demons were led by Kalen Green with 15 points and Julia Sion with 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists. Tristen Washington added eight points, three rebounds, and three assists while Anessa Dussette lead with five rebounds.
HBU went 46.7 percent from the field compared to NSU 35.3 percent. With 22 drawn fouls the Huskies dominated at the line going 20-for-23 with NSU only going 9-for-16. The Huskies forced 25 turnovers with only 11 of their own, scoring 30 points off turnovers. NSU trailed closely being outrebound 32-33 and HBU totaled 13 to NSU 3 steals on the game.
The Huskies will return home Saturday, Jan. 9 for a mid-day matchup in Sharp Gym at 2 p.m. against Lamar University.
