Griffins Can't Overcome Second Quarter Woes Against Westminster

FULTON, Mo.—The Fontbonne University women's basketball team saw its defense force at least 30 turnovers for the second time in three games, however, the Westminster College Blue Jays were able to come away with the 66-57 win.

The Griffins (6-8; 2-3 SLIAC), shot 35.9 percent from the floor but were out-rebounded 48-29 on the glass. Individually, FBU's bench outscored the Blue Jays (6-5; 3-1 SLIAC) 34-6.

Kaitlynn Walker led with her team-high 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting. Rylee Stafford went 2-of-3 from downtown to end with 11 points, while Jillian Venegas netted 10 points and grabbed down a team-high six boards.

Westminster, meanwhile, saw four of its five starters reach double-figures. Despite turning the ball over nine times, Kendahl Adams recorded a double-double with a game-high 17 points and 16 rebounds, all coming on the defensive end of the glass.

Kelsey Ray contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds of her own, while Payton Beeler contributed 10 points of her own. Mikalyn Callahan had a strong game on both ends of the floor with her 14 points and eight rebounds.

It was a back-and-forth affair in the first but Venegas' lay-up at 5:08 notched the scoreboard up at 8-8. From there, it was all Fontbonne, outscoring the Blue Jays 10-4 to give them an 18-12 lead after one.

The Griffins offense was rolling in the first shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and its defense held Westminster to a 35.7 field goal percentage.

Just 12.0 seconds into the second, Sarah Schraut's lay-up extended the lead out to 20-12. Over the next five minutes, though the Blue Jays went on a 15-0 run to take a 27-22 advantage.

They maintained its lead the rest of the way and went into the locker room on top, 34-26. It was a tough second quarter for FBU as they shot just 21.4 percent from the field and were out-rebounded 15-3.

Fontbonne got its offense back going in the third. Katie Sportsman's basket at the 8:16 mark cut the deficit down to 36-33. However, Westminster kept the Griffins at arms-length and got the lead back out to eight (45-37). They held that eight point lead the rest of the way and went into the fourth quarter leading, 50-42.

In the fourth, the Blue Jays shot 29.4 percent but they made a few key baskets when needed to go on for the nine-point win.

FBU looks to bounce back in front of the home crowd on Saturday afternoon when they'll host MacMurray. Tip-off at 1 p.m.

Fans make sure to stay updated on fontbonnegriffins.com throughout the year for full updates and recaps on the women's basketball team.