From University of Chicago Athletics
The University of Chicago women's basketball team grabbed the top spot in the University Athletic Association (UAA) on Sunday afternoon following a dominating 73-58 home victory over University of Rochester.
The No. 15-ranked Maroons (15-3 overall, 6-1 UAA) take a one-game lead in the conference standings thanks to Emory University's road loss at Washington University – St. Louis. The Yellowjackets fell to 7-11 overall (1-6 UAA).
UChicago led nearly wire-to-wire in Sunday's contest. Senior forward Taylor Lake stepped outside the arc to drill a three-pointer on the team's opening offensive possession. After a brief tie at 5-5, the Maroons would not relinquish the lead the rest of the way.
Despite Rochester's size advantage in the post, the Maroons were constantly aggressive on post drives, challenging the league's leaders in blocked shots. The ambition was rewarded with tough finishes at the hoop or fouls drawn. An 11-4 run put the hosts comfortably ahead at 20-11.
The advantage moved to double digits early in the third quarter (26-15) thanks to a three-pointer by sophomore guard Kati Heller. Soon enough, UChicago led by double at 32-16 thanks to solid offensive execution and an active defense that threw off Rochester's ability to convert. At halftime, the score stood at 40-23 in favor of the Maroons.
Senior guard Mia Farrell and Lake had eight points each in the opening half, while first-year forward Mallory Brodnik posted seven points off the bench. The Yellowjackets also coughed the ball up 14 times.
The trend continued in the second half. UChicago's starters in particular burned Rochester during crucial runs. Following layups by Farell and senior guard Miranda Burt, the Maroons increased the margin to 57-37.
UChicago's largest lead was 23 points in the fourth quarter, and the Yellowjackets were not able to get within single digits.
Farrell and Burt tallied 15 points each to pace the attack, while Lake contributed 12 points and four assists. Heller scored nine points off the bench. Sophomore forward Klaire Steffens grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.
The Maroons made 44.6 percent of their attempts from the field, a season-best 61.5 percent from three (8-13) and 62.5 percent on free throws (15-24). The Yellowjackets were limited to 37.9 percent from the field, 16.7 percent from long range (2-12) and 70.6 percent at the line (12-17).
Rochester led the rebounding category 39-36. The visitors committed 23 turnovers compared to 15 by UChicago. The hosts also blocked more shots (7-5).