Sims Records Fourth Double-Double on the Year in Win Over McPherson

Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Women's Basketball team returned to play at home against McPherson College on Wednesday, resulting in an 88-65 win. The Spires are now 9-2 overall and 7-0 in the KCAC. 

A slow start for Saint Mary offensively allowed the Bulldogs to stay within striking distance in the opening five minutes of play. Paige Pendley attempted to ignite the Spire's offense with a three to make it 10-6. However, McPherson continued to stick around and eventually took a 17-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. 

Alanis Delgado wasted no time getting her team back into the game with a layup to tie things up at 20. The offensive output for Saint Mary finally kicked into gear as they went on a 13-2 scoring run that lasted four minutes. Soon, the Spires found themselves up by ten and in the driver's seat. Jaylee Levario put together the last four points of the half to give Saint Mary a 42-28 lead. 

After the break, Tanea Sims opened the scoring with back-to-back layups, while Delgado followed with a three to give the Spires a 19-point lead. In the late goings of the third quarter, McPherson cut into the growing Saint Mary lead to make it a 61-48 ball game. A three-point shot from Summer Wieneke and a layup from Kate Harter smothered the comeback mounted by the Bulldogs. 

As the fourth quarter began, McPherson could not counter the offensive pressure that Saint Mary was putting on them. The Spires outscored the Bulldogs 21-15 in the final quarter of play, helping them secure a 23-point win over McPherson.

Saint Mary hit eleven threes as a team on the night. Pendley and Delgado led the team with 14 points each, while Sims and Demi Aamold combined for 21 points. Defensively, the Spires forced nine turnovers, and Sims added to her 11 points with 17 total rebounds. 

Up Next

Saint Mary will be on the road to play Bethany College at 5 p.m. on Saturday in Lindsborg, Kansas.