The IUS women’s basketball team defeated Kentucky Christian for the second time in a week 52-47 on Feb. 3.

This time around there was no Gus the Grenadier to cheer on the team as the Grenadiers went on the road to face the Lady Knights in their gymnasium.

Instead, Kentucky Christian students filled the gym to watch their Lady Knights on senior night.

The Lady Knights presented a challenge for the Grenadiers previously, and this game was no different.

“It’s always a tough game when we play Kentucky Christian,” Megan Murphy, junior forward, said. “We play them twice a year so they’re familiar with our style.”

The Grenadiers had an extra burst of energy despite the fact the team meal was eaten an hour or so before tip-off instead of the usual after-game meal.

Murphy had the hot-hand early hitting two 3-pointers.

The Grenadiers jumped out to a 19-8 lead versus the Lady Knights.

The two teams switched roles from the previous meeting.

Suddenly, it was Kentucky Christian who had trouble scoring for most of the first half.

The Grenadiers capitalized on several Lady Knight turnovers and led at halftime 30-22.

“We had a good start to the game,” Bernie Merkel, IUS assistant coach, said. “We were able to run our offense.

Even though the Grenadiers enjoyed an 8-point lead at the break, they knew the game was anything but over.

“It’s always tough to close out road games,” Murphy said.

In the second half, Kentucky Christian came out with a surge that cut the Grenadier lead to just 4 points.The Grenadiers struggled on their first possessions out of the break and committed two costly turnovers.

IU Southeast also struggled to rebound the ball throughout the game.

The Grenadiers scored 2 points in the first five minutes of the second half opening the door for the Lady Knights to edge closer at 32-29.

The Lady Knights were able to keep the score close, but the Grenadier defense made baskets tough to come by.

Ashmere Woods, sophomore guard, hit a key 3-pointer that took the Grenadier lead to nine at 42-33.

The Grenadiers’ lead grew to double digits as they took control while the Lady Knights resorted to fouling with two minutes left in the game.

Whitney Duncan, senior guard, hit three of four free throws down the stretch to seal the victory as the Grenadiers once again defeated Kentucky Christian 52-47.

Woods led all scorers with 24 points, and Murphy chipped in with 13 points.

By GARRETT
TAYLOR

Staff

gartaylo@ius.edu