The 17th-ranked Lady Roadrunners used fast starts in both halves to defeat the Crowder College lady Roughriders 70-51 Jan. 21 in Neosho.

SFCC (14-5, 4-0 in Region 16) opened the game with an 11-2 run. The Lady Roughriders refused to go away on their home floor, cutting SFCC's lead to 31-29 at halftime.

"We talked about getting off to a quick start," said Lady Roadrunners Head Coach Kevin Bucher. "We really came out and played aggressively. We had several steals, which led to easy baskets. We attacked the glass early in the game. I was pleased with that kind of start, especially on the road."

Freshman guard Maura Skidmore knocked down a big three-point shot to open the second half. SFCC went on a 9-0 run, pushing its lead back to 40-29 and taking control of the contest.

"We talked at halftime about rebounding and playing aggressive defense," said Bucher. "We also wanted to make sure we posted up hard in the paint with our post players. We got some more steals and baskets to start the second half. We also did a good job attacking the basket and really got into the bonus early in the second half. We went 19 of 19 from the free-throw line, which really helped."

Sophomore center Alecia Cooley registered another double double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, plus a team-high three blocked shots. Skidmore contributed 14 points and tied sophomore guard Erin Boothe for the team lead in steals with three. Freshman guard Sierra Clayborn pitched in with 12 points and sophomore guard Derriel Banyard added 11 points. Boothe scored 10 points and dished out a team-high four assists.

SFCC will return home Jan. 24 for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against Mineral Area College.

"We have to use our pressure to keep Mineral Area out of sync offensively," said Bucher. "You have to win your home games, but bigger things loom down the road."

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics