Metro Lex News

Eagles Grab 44 Points in the Third to Secure a Victory Over Welch, 89-75

All five of Asbury's starters against Welch College scored in the double digits on Tuesday night, bringing the Eagles a win over Welch, 89-75. Tiffani Riley, Haleigh Releford, Jaclynn Ruble, and Trinity Shearer combined for 82 of Asbury's 89.

Jaclynn Ruble led the Eagles with 22 points and three assists, shooting 7-7 from the line. Spencer Harvey had an impressive game against the flames with 18 points, a season-high, seven rebounds, and four made past the arc, another season-high.

Asbury's 89 points are their most in a game this season. AU found their stride in the second half of this one and did not look back. 

Tiffani Riley had quick hands against Welch grabbing 13 points and seven steals, a season-high for her. Trinity Shearer grabbed 13 points and six boards and Haleigh Releford recorded 16 points and four rebounds for the Eagles.

Welch was led by No. 11 Olivia Delk, scoring 25 points and six rebounds.

Welch began the game by grabbing a quick lead of five in the first three minutes but the Eagles caught up and went shot-for-shot with the Flames for the remainder of the first. Welch barely took the lead at the end of the first by banking a three to give them a 19-16 lead. 

Spencer Harvey made a three just two minutes into the second, tying the Eagles and the Flames at 19-19. The second became a repeat of the first with the Eagles striding slowly behind Welch. Despite early efforts at the beginning of the second, the Flames outscored AU 15-14 in the second and ended it, still up, 34-30.

Something clicked for AU and the Eagles went full throttle in the third. After Spencer Harvey's three to put the Eagles one point ahead, just two minutes into the third, AU pressed hard and went on to their highest-scoring quarter of their season, grabbing 44 points. Jaclynn Ruble helped lead this charge scoring 12 points in the third, with Trinity Shearer right behind with 11. Asbury held Welch to just 26 points in the third and found their lead, ending the third up 74-60.

Welch attempted to retaliate in the fourth, but AU was determined to hold their lead and grab a victory. Both teams matched with 15 a piece and the game resulted in a win for the Eagles, 89-75.

Asbury shot an impressive 81% from the line and grabbed 20 steals compared to Welch's four. AU forced 24 turnovers from the Flames and converted those into 28 points.

AU also recorded 25 second-chance points and 36 points in the paint.

Original source can be found here.