Chicago, Ill. – After only being down by eight at the half, Judson University (2-5) could not keep up with the #6 St. Xavier University (6-0) as the Eagles fell, 76-60. JU cut the lead to two in the first three minutes of the second half only to see SXU’s offense take over the game in the final 17 minutes.
Coming within in two points, 32-30, with 17:39 left in the game, it looked as though JU was making their move to take the lead. But, the #6 team in the nation responded offensively to regain the momentum. In the next 11 minutes, SXU outscored JU, 39-14, for a commanding 27-point lead, 71-44. Not giving up, Judson battled and outscored SXU, 16-5, in the final six minutes to end the game at 76-60.
Judson was led by Devonaye Henderson and Kelly Friestad with 11 points each. Alicia Rovertoni recorded her first double-double of the year with 10 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Sarah Wilson led all scorers with 18 for SXU.
SXU jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game. They then continued their run with a 19-2 lead with just 11:57 left in the half. Not being pushed over, JU reeled off a 16-2 run over six minutes as Friestad recorded seven of her 11 points in the run. JU had several chances in the next two minutes to cut the lead to one but did not convert as they missed three shots and had three turnovers. SXU outscored JU 11-6 in the final four minutes of the half to take an eight-point advantage, 32-24.
The second half was the difference as SXU shot 43% from the floor to finish shooting only 36% overall. Judson shot 39% from the floor and only 54% from the free throw line. SXU hit 91% of their free throws missing only one shot (11-of-12). Judson turned the ball over 38 times to SXU’s 19 and only recorded nine steals.
Judson will host Indiana-Northwest on Friday, November 30th, at 6:00 p.m. in the Judson Tournament.
