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HU women go to 7-3 with big win over SAU

Huntington University guard Courtney Baker takes a hard foul in action against visiting Spring Arbor University on Wednesday, Dec. 4. HU won 72-49.
Huntington University guard Courtney Baker takes a hard foul in action against visiting Spring Arbor University on Wednesday, Dec. 4. HU won 72-49. Photo by Scott Trauner.

Accurate offense coupled with suffocating defense helped the Huntington University women's basketball team rout visiting Spring Arbor, 72-49, on Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The Foresters stormed out of the gates with a 15-0 run against their Crossroads League foe. Huntington's advantage hovered around double-digits for much of the half, but the Cougars came to life with just under six minutes remaining before halftime, outscoring the hosts 13-4 to cut their advantage to two, 30-28, at the 1:41 mark. The Foresters gave themselves a little bit of breathing room, pushing the lead to 35-28 at intermission.

The opening of the second half was a repeat of the first as Coach Lori Culler's squad went on another offensive tear, pouring in 14 points while holding Spring Arbor scoreless to put the Cougars in a 49-30 hole. This time, there would be no comeback for the visitors as Huntington increased its advantage to 55-35 at 11:58 and went on to lead by over 20 for the rest of the game.

Amelia Recker scored 23 points to help the Foresters improve to 7-3, 2-0 in the Crossroads League. The sophomore forward made all nine of her field goal attempts as Huntington shot for 52.8 percent for the game on a 28 of 53 showing. Senior guard Pazia Speed supplied 14 points and a game-high six assists and junior guard Courtney Baker added 13 points

The Forester defense limited Spring Arbor, 5-3, 1-1 in conference play, to just 15 of 67 shooting for 22.4 percent. Jessica Garrison was the lone Cougar to reach double figures, with 16 points.

The teams' performances at the free throw line were closer, as Huntington sank 13 of 17 tries for 76.5 percent and Spring Arbor converted 13 of 20 for an even 65 percent.

The Foresters narrowly edged the Cougars in the battle of the boards, 44-40, with Recker and sophomore center Jaclene Bonnema heading Huntington's effort with eight apiece.