From Washington University Athletics
The No. 9-ranked Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball team shot a season-high 58.5 percent from the field and forced 28 turnovers as the Bears earned a 90-39 win over Webster University Wednesday evening at the WU Field House.
WashU shot a blistering 64.7 percent (11-of-17) from the field and forced 11 turnovers by the Gorloks in the opening quarter. The Bears jumped out to a 12-2 lead behind eight points by junior Zoe Vernon, who drained her second three of the game at the 5:24 mark. WashU hit three more triples in the quarter, and a jumper by senior Amanda Martinez pushed the lead to 27-10 entering the second quarter.
A 7-0 run for the Bears in the first five minutes of the second quarter gave them their largest lead of the half at 40-15 with 4:57 to play in the half. Webster put together six straight points, including four free throws, to cut the deficit to 21, but sophomore Natalie Orr converted a four-point play with 48 seconds remaining in the half to give WashU a 47-24 advantage at the break.
The Bears' offense continued to roll in the third quarter as they shot 75 percent (9-of-12) from the field in the period. WashU also limited Webster to 1-of-10 shooting from the field and forced nine turnovers in the period, while outscoring the Gorloks 22-6 to extend the lead to 69-30 entering the fourth quarter.
WashU finished 38-of-65 from the field (58.5 percent) in the game, including 9-of-20 (45 percent) from three-point range. Webster shot 21.3 percent (10-of-47) from the field, but was helped by 15-of-20 shooting from the free-throw line. The Bears turned 28 Webster turnovers into a 36-13 advantage in points off turnovers, and outscored the Gorloks 40-6 in the paint.
Martinez led WashU with 16 points on 8-of-9 shooting, while also finishing with five rebounds, three assists and five steals. Vernon also scored in double figures, totaling 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range. She added four assists, two blocks and two steals. Orr and junior Ereka Hunt added eight points each off the bench, while freshman Rachael Sondag had a career-high seven.
WashU improved to 7-1 on the season with the win, while Webster dropped to 3-3.
Bear Notebook: WashU leads the all-time series against Webster 16-1 … The win was No. 695 for head coach Nancy Fahey … The Bears had 14 different players reach the scoring column … WashU is 375-34 (.917) all-time at the WU Field House, and has won each of its last 21 home games … The Bears' 17 steals was a season-high … WashU never trailed in the game.