The Blue Streaks improved to 11-4 in OAC play (15-6 overall) on Monday night, defeating The Berg of Heidelberg University (9-12, 5-9 OAC) by a final score of 73-54.

Nicole Heffington got the Blue Streaks off to a strong start with six points in the first four minutes of the game.The Blue Streak defense forced three quick turnovers, resulting in an early 8-2 lead for the Blue Streaks.

Heidelberg would then go on to close the early gap and only trailed by three (16-19) at the end of the first quarter. John Carroll had seven different players in the scoring column in the first quarter alone. Alyssa Riley accounted for Heidelberg's first five points, finishing the first quarter with seven points.

Chelbi Graham opened the second quarter with back-to-back baskets to ignite an 8-4 run by the Blue Streaks. Heidelberg would answer back with a run of their own, but John Carroll opened the lead back up to 14 in the final minutes of the first half. Shmoo Pryor led the shift in momentum with a series of that consisted of two steals, two finishing layups, and a three-pointer in consecutive possessions.

At the close of the first half, the score was 38-22 in favor of the Blue Streaks. Heffington and Pryor led John Carroll with 10 and nine points, respectively. Pryor also contributed three steals.

Riley and Madelyn Crawford led the first half efforts for Heidelberg with seven and six points, respectively. Crawford also contributed five rebounds.

Despite John Carroll outshooting Heidelberg by three in the second half (35-32), the Blue Streaks held on to their momentum as well as their double-digit lead. Abby Adler and Olivia Nagy both chipped in six points in the half, while Graham, Kahrin Spear, and Sara Spicer each added five. Their efforts helped John Carroll hold on to clinch the victory by a final score of 73-54.

Heffington continues to dominate on offense, recording a team-high 12 points and seven rebounds. Graham and Adler also combined for 21 points in addition to Nagy and Pryor adding nine points apiece. 

As a team, the Blue Streaks recorded 17 steals, a new season-best when facing conference opponents.

The Blue Streaks continue conference play against crosstown rival Baldwin Wallace on Wednesday, February 6 at 7 p.m. in the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center.