From University of Chicago Athletics
A lockdown defensive effort allowed the University of Chicago women's basketball team to run away with a 78-36 rout of North Park University on Saturday afternoon.
The Maroons (5-2 record) won their third-straight game and dropped the Vikings to 5-2.
Defense was UChicago's calling card throughout the day. North Park continuously drove the lane to get close looks at the hoop. However, the Maroons were there almost every time with multiple defenders to contest the shot. The Vikings rarely kicked the ball out and instead tossed shots at the rim which frequently found iron.
With fouls being called at a minimum, UChicago's physical brand of defense wore down North Park. The visitors shot only 20 percent from the field in the first half, and 25.4 percent for the game. The Maroons jumped the passing lanes constantly on perimeter passes, forcing 25 turnovers that included 18 steals.
Both teams challenged shots in the paint, combining for 11 total blocks. Sophomore forward Taylor Lake collected three blocks herself and was a force on the boards with 13 rebounds.
North Park led for a grand total of 12 seconds in the game, which came at 7-6. Then sophomore guard Miranda Burt drove the lane, made the basket and was fouled for a three-point play. Sophomore guard Mia Farrell then hit a pair of three-pointers and the Maroons steadily pulled away from there.
A 19-4 run to close the second quarter put the game out of reach. The Maroons made three shots in the final minute before halftime, including a running jumper by senior guard Elizabeth Nye with four seconds left. UChicago led 37-15 at the break.
Eight-straight points from Burt kept the Maroons rolling along in the third quarter. The hosts were balanced throughout the game, scoring between 18 and 21 points each quarter. First-year forward Meaghan O'Hara provided a highlight when she made a driving basket as the third quarter expired and drew a foul. She then sank the free throw to put her team ahead 58-22.
UChicago got its reserves plenty of time in the fourth quarter and cruised to the finish line for a 42-point victory. It marked the second-largest victory margin of the season so far – the Maroons won their season opener at Lake Forest College by 44 points.
Burt scored a season-high 21 points, while first-year forward Marissa Igunbor tallied career highs of 15 points and five steals. Junior guard Jamie Kockenmeister tallied 11 points and seven rebounds.