Women's Basketball Gets It Done On Both Ends Of The Floor In Win Over Blackburn

CARLINVILLE, Ill.—It was another strong offensive performance by the Fontbonne University women's basketball team on Wednesday night with the Griffins extending its winning streak out to three after its 83-56 win over Blackburn.

Records

Fontbonne (7-7; 3-1 SLIAC)

Blackburn (3-12; 1-3 SLIAC)

Game Breakdown

After trailing 4-0 early in the first, the Griffins took over going on a 14-3 run with Jillian Venegas' 3-pointer giving Fontbonne a 14-7 lead at the 2:23 mark. They continued its dominance in the final minutes extending its advantage out to 20-9 after one on Lauren Smith's 3-point play.

Offensively, the Griffins shot 38.9 percent from the field in the first and hit five 3-pointers. Defensively, the Griffins held Blackburn to a mere 28.6 field goal percentage and forced seven turnovers.

In the second quarter, the Griffins remained in control with a 28-18 lead with 4:50 remaining on Kourtney White's layup. Later, the Beavers trimmed the deficit to 28-20 on Mariah Hopson's layup at the 4:21 mark.

However, the Griffins closed out the quarter on a 13-4 run finished off by White driving the lane and scoring her layup with 6.0 seconds left giving Fontbonne a commanding 41-24 lead.

In the third, the Griffins expanded on its 42-26 lead just 30.0 seconds in rattling off a 19-0 run to take a 61-26 lead on Rylee Pickett's 3-pointer with 3:08 left. The Griffins were able to head into the fourth on top, 66-37.

Fontbonne shot 56.3 percent from the field in the third and were led by Venegas going a perfect 5-of-5 from the field for 13 points.

In the fourth, the Griffins hit 41.7 percent of its shots from the field and drained three more 3-pointers en route to the 27-point win.

Team Stats

• The Griffins shot 45.8 percent from the field.
• They tied its season-high with 13 3-pointers.
• Fontbonne shot 16-of-20 (80.0 percent) from the charity-stripe.
• Fontbonne outrebounded Blackburn 41-37.

Fontbonne Leaders

• Rylee Stafford finished with a game-high 20 points on 5-of-16 shooting.
• Jillian Venegas recorded her third double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
• Kourtney White earned her second double-double and fifth on the season with 19 points and 12 rebounds.
• Rylee Pickett ended with 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting.

Up Next

The Griffins return to action this Saturday at home when they'll take on Eureka. Tip-off at 1 p.m.

About Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Louis, committed to a transformative education and inspiring students to become global citizens who think critically, act ethically and serve responsibly. The university, founded in 1923, is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. For more information, visit www.fontbonne.edu.

Make sure to follow the women's basketball team on all its social media accounts: Twitter (@fontbonnewbb), Instagram (@fontbonnewbb) and Facebook (/FontbonneUGriffins).