Strong second half lifts Eagles

CINCINNATI, Ohio – After trailing by seven at halftime Asbury’s women battled back and eventually wore out Cincinnati Christian in picking up their first conference victory of the season, 82-74.  Asbury held CCU to 29% shooting in the second half.

Lakin Griffith and Laura Carroll continue to carry Asbury (9-10, 1-1 KIAC) offensively, combining for 53 points and 21 rebounds.  Griffith (Olive Hill, Ky.) scored a career-high 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting.  This was her second 20-point game this year, the only two of her career.  Griffith also pulled down 14 rebounds in her 33 minutes. 

Carroll scored 19 of her 25 in the second half hitting on 8-of-11 from the floor after intermission and 11-of-18 for the game.  Carroll also pulled down seven rebounds and dished out five assists.

Asbury turned up the tempo in the second half trying to tire out the thin bench for CCU.  The Golden Eagles played only eight players and had four players play at least 32 minutes.  CCU shot 45% in the first half but struggled to 29% in the second half and 37% for the game.  They hit on only 6-of-22 from three point range in the game.  Asbury shot 51% for the game including a 58% clip in the second half.  Both teams got to the free throw line 29 times, CCU hitting 22 and Asbury connecting on 21. 

Asbury gave up 13 offensive rebounds to CCU but still won the battle on the boards 37-32.  CCU had four players in double-figures led by Carmen Firth’s 18 and Heather Hassloch’s 17. 

The Eagles will host defending KIAC champion Indiana Southeast in their first home conference game on Saturday at 6:00 pm.