Jaidn Green shoots the ball versus University of St. Francis SXU Athletics
SXU vs. Judson University: 86-48 (W)
In the big win over Judson University, senior guard Bethany Baldwin and freshman guard Emma Clark led the Cougars in scoring, each tallying 20 or more points.
Baldwin scored a season-high 23 points on 9-15 shooting and added four rebounds, three steals, and two assists in her 22 minutes of play.
In 14 minutes off the bench, Clark scored 20 points and collected a career-best six rebounds in addition to two assists.
Junior forward Alyssa Crenshaw recorded her third double-double of the year in the win, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Crenshaw also had an assist, block, and a steal.
The first quarter was tightly contested with SXU holding a 19-15 lead, shooting 6-16 (37.5%) from the field including one from beyond the arc.
Although the first quarter was close, there were 15 turnovers between the two teams, seven from SXU and eight from JU.
In the second quarter Saint Xavier’s offense completely exploded, out-scoring Judson 31-8. The Cougars made 12 of 20 field goal attempts (60%), including going 7-11 (63.6%) from downtown.
A 50-23 edge over Judson going into the second half was a more than comfortable lead for Saint Xavier, and they never let up in the last two quarters.
The scoring continued for the Cougars, scoring 20 in the third, but the Judson offense continued to struggle, scoring just 11 points.
Quarter four was more of the same from the SXU offense, outscoring Judson to seal their victory and get back in the win column.
This was a great bounce-back game for the Cougars, their play improved on both offense and defense and they did not let JU fight their way back into the game.
Saint Xavier dominated this game from start to finish, never giving up their lead and taking advantage of Eagles’ miscues.
Turnovers plagued Judson and were a massive part of the SXU win, turning over the ball 21 times. The Cougars took advantage of these calls and scored 25 points off TOs, 12 coming in their explosive second quarter.
Another substantial part of the game that led to the Cougars’ victory was points off the bench. While Judson had just 11, SXU scored 43 points off the bench which was half of their total points.
It was great to see players off the bench get as involved as they did in this game and make a huge impact. Hopefully the bench will have similar opportunities and results as this one in the future.
SXU vs. Governors State University: 60-81 (L)
Despite the loss to CCAC opponent Governors State, the Cougars had solid performances from a few of their starters.
Crenshaw led SXU in several categories, scoring 20 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out five assists.
Sophomore guard Jaidn Green finished with 13 points, three rebounds, and an assist.
Junior guard Aaliyahna Derrell had 12 points, two steals, and two assists in the loss.
The first quarter was evenly matched, the largest lead belonging to GSU of four points (15-19).
Play was good on both sides of the ball for the Cougars, they forced two turnovers and shot 7-14 (50%) from the field.
The Jaguars pulled away from SXU in the second quarter, outscoring them 16-23 to give themselves a 35-42 lead entering the half.
Play got sloppier for Saint Xavier in the second, GSU forced eight turnovers, three coming from Derrell. The biggest difference being fouls. SXU committed four where GSU had none.
Both teams were 7-12 (58.3%) from the field and 2-5 (40%) from three-point range, but Governors State made seven of their eight free throws, the difference maker in the second quarter.
Saint Xavier cleaned up play in the third quarter, but their shoot-making ability suffered.
The Cougars were just 4-15 (26.7%) from the floor, resulting in just 11 points for them in the third.
GSU kept the pressure on, scoring 20 and creating a 46-62 lead entering the last quarter.
Unfortunately SXU could not make up the difference against the Jaguars, finishing the fourth with another poor shooting performance, making just five on 17 attempts (29.4%).
Saint Xavier’s next game is tonight, the 31 of January, against Trinity Christian College at the Shannon Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.
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