GALESBURG, Ill. — Lawrence University (6-0, 1-0 Midwest Conference) defeated Knox College (2-4, 1-1 Midwest Conference), 76-64, showcasing a dominant 44-33 rebounding advantage and 21 points off turnovers.
The first quarter saw Lawrence start with a determined effort, focusing on scoring off turnovers and second-chance opportunities. After falling behind early, the team responded with a 7–0 run, highlighted by a three-pointer from
Josie Eager at 6:15, reducing the deficit.
Kate Adams contributed significantly, both defensively with a steal and offensively by scoring two free throws.
As the quarter advanced,
Sophie Morey played a crucial role by converting a fast-break layup and later adding another layup to keep the Vikings competitive. They closed the quarter strong, cutting Knox's lead to one point with a late jumper from Morey. The period ended with the Prairie Fire leading 20–19.
Lawrence opened the second quarter with a strong start as Eager sank a 3-pointer at 9:35, assisted by
Olivia Kesti, to put the team ahead. This momentum continued with a jumper from Kesti shortly afterward, extending the lead to 24-20. The Vikings' defense was effective, with key blocks and steals by Adams and Kesti, allowing the team to maintain its lead.
Morey contributed with a layup and subsequent free throws, pushing the score to 30-22. Despite this, the Prairie Fire rallied late in the quarter, closing the gap with a series of free throws and a late jumper by Bria Medina. Knox took the lead in the final seconds, ending the period with a 32-30 advantage over Lawrence.
Lawrence gained momentum early in the third quarter, immediately tying the game with Morey's free throws and taking the lead through Kesti's layup. Adams extended the lead with a 3-pointer, assisted by Kesti, as the Vikings capitalized on Prairie Fire turnovers to maintain control.
Lawrence's defense remained strong, highlighted by blocks from Kesti, and they continued to score efficiently in the paint, further propelled by a fast-break layup from
Maggie Jarzemsky, assisted by Eager.
The quarter concluded with Lawrence leading 54–47 after outscoring Knox 24–15, aided by a strong inside presence and timely scoring runs.
Lawrence initiated the final quarter with a swift transition, capitalizing on a steal by Adams, who completed a layup to set the tone. Despite Knox's responses, including a layup from Nayeli Nidez Acuña, the Vikings maintained control with Adams hitting a critical 3-pointer early on, extending their lead.
Throughout the quarter, Lawrence leveraged their offensive rebounds, with Morey and
Josie Chose securing crucial second-chance opportunities. Adams and Kesti were pivotal at the free-throw line, converting key attempts that bolstered the margin.
As the clock wound down, the Vikings continued to capitalize on Knox's turnovers and fouls, with Morey sealing the victory by sinking her free throws in the final seconds. Lawrence closed out the quarter outscoring Knox 22–17, securing a final win of 76–64.
Lawrence Top Performers
Sophie Morey
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- 26 points
- 10 rebounds
- 8/8 free throws made
Kate Adams
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- 17 points
- 7/8 free throws made
- 3 steals
Olivia Kesti
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- 11 points
- 4 blocks
- 7 rebounds
