From University of Chicago Athletics
A nationally-ranked showdown between the top squads in the University Athletic Association ended in favor of the University of Chicago women's basketball team 74-59 at University of Rochester on Sunday afternoon.
The No. 19-ranked Maroons (16-2 record) took sole possession of first place in the UAA at 7-0. UChicago has now reeled off 14-straight wins by an average margin of 19 points. The No. 7-ranked Yellowjackets (16-2, 6-1 UAA) had their 11-game winning streak snapped.
An early 9-2 lead by Rochester was erased by the visitors' 13-3 run. Back-to-back layups by forwards Olariche Obi and Taylor Lake pushed UChicago's advantage to 19-14 opening up the second quarter. Obi was the catalyst in all phases in the first half – the junior scored 12 points, pulled down seven rebounds and snagged four steals.
Rochester stayed in the game and trimmed the deficit to 21-20. Immediately, Obi made a layup and was fouled before completing the three-point play. Sophomore guard Mia Farrell chipped in six-straight points at the end of the half to give her team a 32-26 lead at the break.
UChicago kept its momentum in the third quarter with a Farrell jumper and a three from sophomore guard Miranda Burt to go up 11. The Yellowjackets got within seven points several times, but the Maroons had an answer every time and shot 47 percent on field goals in the second half. The fourth quarter saw continued execution from UChicago, as the visiting side kept a lead of at least nine points the rest of the way.
Obi paced the squad with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six steals on 10-for-18 shooting. It marked her tenth double-double of the season. Farrell was next in the scoring column with 16 points. Lake added eight points and seven rebounds. Senior guard Madison Dunbar made all four of her shots to end up with eight points.
In the final tallies, UChicago converted 42.3 percent on field goals while Rochester was held to 31.7 percent. The hosts led the rebounding category 44-38, but committed 21 turnovers compared to 16 by the Maroons.