Four Flames Score in Double Digits in 87-76 Win Over NNMC
2017 has gotten off to a smooth start for the Flames who won their second consecutive game Friday night. In its first game in New Mexico, BU women's basketball beat the host team of Northern New Mexico College 87-76.
"I'm happy for these girls," BU head coach Patty Medina said. "I thought they played one of their better games tonight. Part of it is because we played in unison. We moved the ball better. We rebounded well. We took advantage of what the defense gave us, and we made some nice adjustments. It was a great win on the road."
Four Flames scored in double figures: seniors DQ Townsend, Victoria Jackson and Adelina Vanaga, and junior Gabby Robledo. Vanaga and Townsend finished with double-doubles 21 points and 10 rebounds, 11 points and 11 rebounds, respectively. Robledo tallied 18 points and six assists, while Jackson finished with 13 points and four steals.
Despite the Flames being down by 13 at one point, they remained on an offensive roll and cut NNMC lead to four going into the half. Although Bethesda trailed at halftime no one panicked. The players knew simple fixes were all they needed.
The coach encouraged their veteran post player, DQ Townsend, to capitalize on mismatches down low. She reminded the guards that paths to the rim existed, particularly because NNMC was so committed to solely shutting down Robledo. They wanted to get into their offense quicker, too — more long outlet passes and more ready-to-shoot attitudes.
The Flames found their stride offensively in the third quarter, outscoring the Eagles 27-13 to turn a four-point halftime deficit into a 67-57 edge in 10 minutes. "I think once we got more comfortable with what they were doing, we got more comfortable with what we could do against them," Townsend said. The Flames' largest lead during the game was 15 points. BU was able to secure 25 offensive rebounds compared to NNMC's 8 and out-rebounded the Eagles 57-40.
"A cleaner and more efficient start will be required tomorrow," Coach Medina said. The Flames will play the Eagles back to back. "Forcing yourself to respond in an unfamiliar environment two nights in a row against a quality opponent isn't the ideal blueprint for success," she said. "But these girls proved tonight that they are capable of calmly reacting in the heat of the moment and making adjustments to get the win."
The Flames will play the Eagles again tomorrow at 1pm (PT) before heading back to Orange County. The game can be watched via lifestream at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/TNj7brxb4yY