John Carroll has been in plenty of close games through the last few weeks, especially as the second half of conference action has gotten underway. In Saturday's game in southeastern Ohio, the John Carroll Blue Streaks (17-2, 11-1 OAC) put on a dominant performance to win comfortably over the host Marietta Pioneers (9-10, 5-7 OAC) by a final score of 74-50.
The Blue Streaks, after needing a comeback effort against Mount Union in the previous game, took control late in the first quarter and never looked back the rest of the way.
After a slow start to the opening quarter, the Blue Streaks went on a 12-4 run, eventually forcing a Pioneer timeout with about 3:30 remaining in the quarter. Out of the timeout, John Carroll looked to continue its run, extending its lead even more. But then Marietta locked down the Blue Streaks for the remainder of the quarter while closing the deficit, making it a 18-11 game to end the quarter.
The defensive struggle continued early into the second quarter, as neither team made more than two baskets in the first three minutes of the quarter. Finally, while their defense held the Pioneers scoreless from the nine minute mark, John Carroll went on a 10-0 run to force another Pioneer timeout with 2:47 left in the half. Marietta finally got their sixth point of the quarter with 2:15 left in the quarter, but could not pull much closer as the Blue Streaks went into the locker rooms with a 37-21 lead.
At the half,
Nicole Heffington led all players with ten points on 4-7 shooting from the field, also grabbing six rebounds, tied for the team lead.
Dani Carlson and
Hannah Bouchy each had eight points, which tied for second on the team.
Olivia Nagy also made her presence known on the box score, recording five points, six rebounds, a career-high six assists, and three blocks. John Carroll shot 46.7% from the field, including 40% from three while holding Marietta to 23.5% from the field.
Marietta came out of the locker room looking to work their way back into the game and managed to find success, holding John Carroll scoreless for the first four minutes. However, a put back by Nagy ended the scoreless run. A Blue Streak timeout with about three minutes left in the quarter helped the Blue Streaks get going as John Carroll went on an 8-5 run to maintain the 49-35 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
After a back and forth start to the fourth quarter, the Blue Streaks went on a 5-0 run which forced a Pioneer timeout. The Blue Streaks continued to add onto their lead as they cruised the rest of the way, outscoring the Pioneers 25-12 in the fourth quarter to get the win.
JCU, which is currently ranked 14th in Division III in scoring defense, has now held ten opponents this season to 50 points or less.
Heffington led all players with 20 points in the game on 8-14 shooting, including 3-5 from three. Nagy had her tenth double-double of the season, but nearly had her first quadruple double, putting up 15 points along with 15 rebounds, eight blocks, and a career high eight assists.
John Carroll shot 49.2% from the field, including 38.9% from behind the three-point line. The Blue Streaks also won a tight rebounding battle, 47-44.
Devin Hefner led Marietta with 15 points while shooting 6-15 from the field. Marietta was held to 23.5% shooting from the field and 22.7% from three.
John Carroll's next game will be in Tiffin on Wednesday, February 5th as they take on the Heidelberg Student Princes. Tip-off is at 7 PM. John Carroll won the last game against the Student Princes, 65-39, in University Heights.
