Strong Second Half Propels Woods to Win

(FULTON, Mo., Nov. 16) -The William Woods University women’s basketball team defeated visiting Central Methodist University 67-60 on Monday night in Anderson Arena. The Owls improve to 3-0 with the victory. The Eagles fall to 3-2 with the loss.

The Owls stormed out to an early 14-0 lead to open the game. CMU countered with a 19-4 run to take the lead with 6:50 remaining in the opening half. Central Methodist held the lead and went into halftime up 31-26.

CMU shot 41% from the field in the first half. The Eagles were led by Raylyn Nuss and Jazmynn Hutchings with six points apiece. William Woods shot 38% from the field in the opening half. The Owls were led by senior Eshell Estrella (Santa Ana, Calif.) with seven points and five rebounds.

William Woods trailed 39-48 with 11:50 remaining in the game. The Owls went on an 11-2 run and tied the game with 7:38 remaining. Junior Rachel Baker (Mexico, Mo.) hit a free throw to give the Owls a lead they would not relinquish.

The Owls outscored the Eagles 41-29 in the second half. WWU shot 43% in the half. CMU shot 36% from the field in the second half.

Central Methodist was led by Sami Dunger with 18 points. Hutchings added 10 points and nine rebounds in the loss.

William Woods was led by Baker with 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Junior Jill Sutton (Warrenton, Mo.) tossed in 15 points for the Owls. Estrella added 12 points, seven rebounds and eight assists in the victory. William Woods outrebounded Central Methodist 42-37.

The Owls will return to action on November 18. William Woods will travel to Missouri Valley College. Tip-off is at 7 pm in Marshall, Mo.