(Sugar Grove, IL) - Visiting Black Hawk College held off Waubonsee Community College down the stretch to grab an 81-70 victory in their non-conference women's basketball match-up. The Braves (2-2) made 22 of 28 free throws (78 percent), including 8 of their last 9 attempts from the line to thwart any potential comeback by the Chiefs. In contrast Waubonsee (0-2) made just 18 of 32 (56 percent) from the charity stripe, and misfired on 5 of their final 6 tosses.
The Chiefs led 18-16 after one period on the strength of making three consecutive three-point baskets over a 30-second span late in the period. Neither team led by more than four points before the Braves grabbed a 38-36 halftime lead. Waubonsee then quickly got into foul trouble in the third quarter as Katie Beebe and Katy Shawke both picked up their fourth fouls, and Allison Ryan fouled out. The turn in momentum allowed Black Hawk to extend its lead to 60-49 with 2:33 remaining in the period. However, a basket and free throw by Beebe, and another basket and a pair of free throws by Essence Rayford closed out the quarter with the Chiefs trailing by just four points. Turnovers and missed free throws became the Chiefs achilles heal in the fourth quarter. Waubonsee commited 27 turnover for the game, including eight early in the final stanza that helped Black Hawk build its lead back up to double digits.
Beebe led Waubonsee with her second consecutive double-double in points and rebounds. The 6'0" sophomore center tallied 24 points, grabbed 18 rebounds, handed out four assists and blocked three shots. Beebe also made a pair of three-pointers, giving her five made baskets from beyond the arc in the Chiefs' first two games, which exceeds her total of four treys made all last season. Rayford added 21 points, snagged a dozen rebounds, dished out four assists and made three steals. Melia Perry chipped in with nine points, booked five assists and recorded a pair of steals.
Waubonsee is in action again next Tuesday, November 12 when they travel to South Holland to take on 18th-ranked South Suburban College starting at 5:00 p.m. Lance Robinson's men's team is set to square off against the third-ranked Bulldogs at 7:00 p.m. that evening. Both teams return home next Thursday, November 14 as they host the Elmhurst College's Junior Varsity. The women are set to tip-off at 5:00 p.m. with the men battling the Bluejays at 7:00 p.m. in Waubonsee's Erickson Hall Gymnasium.