Lady Eagles pocket second win of the week at home

Skyler Newberry's 11 rebounds led OC to a win over TAMI on Saturday. — Skyler Newberry’s 11 rebounds help Oklahoma Christian University to a win against Texas A&M International on Jan. 31. Photo by Roxi Gonzalez

The Lady Eagles earned their second win of the week at home Saturday against Texas A&M International University by securing a 60-51 lead over the Lady Dustdevils.

Oklahoma Christian out-rebounded the Lady Dustdevils 55-41. According to sophomore guard Kylee Hicks, teammate Skyler Newberry performed well down-low and made sure her opponents didn’t get any second chances.

“Skyler killed it today,” Hicks said. “Her rebounding and her offensive contributions were really good.”

Newberry recorded 11 rebounds, seven points and one assist in her 22 minutes of playing time.

McKenzie Stanford led the Lady Eagles with 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting, while Jasmine Hinton contributed a career-high 14 points and seven rebounds in 20 minutes of playing time. Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Findley said Stanford and Hinton packed a strong one-two punch in scoring.

Sydney Hill recorded three points, three steals and two assists, while Mackenzie Brown scored nine points. Kylee Hicks, Aisha Martin, Audrey Hayes and Hope Dawkins each scored two points for Oklahoma Christian.

The Lady Eagles’ defense held four of their past seven opponents under 55 points.

According to Hicks, Oklahoma Christian is finding its team chemistry.

“We struggled at the beginning and throughout the season [with] finding our rhythm and our individual identities and trying to mesh together,” Hicks said. “I think it’s working now.”

At the half, Oklahoma Christian had an eight-point lead over the Lady Dustdevils.

With only four turnovers, the Lady Eagles were “feeling good about the defensive effort and ball security,” Findley said.

The Lady Eagles trailed only twice against the Lady Dustdevils. Oklahoma Christian has climbed from the bottom of the rankings to a three-way tie for fifth place in its division.

According to Hicks, the improvement is the result of a team effort.

“Every single person hustled really hard and played with a lot of heart today,” Hicks said.

According to Hicks, the Lady Eagles have their focus set on the seven games remaining.

“We don’t have many games left in the season,” Hicks said. “We need to go out and be the team that we know we are.”

The Lady Eagles will take on Lubbock Christian University on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.