Jan. 11 marked a great day for the Bruins, as the women’s basketball team completely demolished their in-state rival Utah State University-Eastern (USU-E) 82-63. This was the Bruins 11th consecutive win.
It didn’t take long for Salt Lake Community College to establish an 11 point cushion with about five minutes left in the first half, and due to tremendous team chemistry and solid defense, the Bruins overwhelmed USU-E.
“We have one of the best assist to turnover ratios in the country; when your team is wanting to pass more than shoot, a lot of good can happen,” says sophomore guard Natalie Parsons.
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Sophomore power forward Britney Johnson had an exceptional game but really shined in the first half, dropping 13 of her 19 points, adding a strong eight boards and swiping two steals.
Starting the second half, the Bruins did not let up the pressure as sophomore point guard Mercedes Riggs splashes a 3-pointer and on the following play, drops a dime to guard Summer Yack who converts a corner three. This put SLCC up 53-36 with 16 minutes left in the second half.
Riggs had an impressive game as well dishing out 10 assists and dropping 10 points for the double-double.
“Working as a team is what has led us to this success,” says Riggs.
USU-E tried to stick with the Bruins but to no avail; the offensive onslaught that SLCC put on them the second half was simply too much.
Around the 14-minute mark, power forward Bella Swan finished with a layup from the post.
Then with approximately eight minutes left in the game, Parsons caught fire yet again; starting with a stifling 3-pointer, followed up with another three, then two back-to-back layups. This put the Bruins up 75-56.
Although Parsons is majestic when it comes to scoring, she also has the ability to pass, and she takes pride in it.
“I love getting the assist just as much as scoring because it doesn’t matter who scores; it just matter[s] that the team scores, and sometimes, making a sick pass is better than hitting a shot,” says Parsons.
The Bruins take every game seriously because they have an agenda that they plan on fulfilling.
“USU-E is in our conference, and we want to win our conference, so any game is super important to us,” says Riggs.
It was another appreciable home victory for the Bruins; as the season rolls forward, their bonds and knowledge of one another continues to fuel their success.
“We have the type of chemistry that we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and know how to play according to those; it just makes the game easier when you know what to expect from the girl next to you,” says Parsons.
Twitter: @WalkDeezy44
