SAU Takes Care of Business Against Waldorf

2/25/06
Box Score
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The Queen Bees got more than they bargained for Saturday when the played Waldorf in a Midwest Classic Conference Semi-final game. The Warriors, who were coming off a huge upset at Grand View, hung with SAU for the first 20 minutes, staying within at least 10 points for the majority of the half. In the end though, the Queen Bees were just too tough, as they pulled out another playoff win, 78-53.

The first ten minutes were played as evenly as a game can be played, as the score was knotted up at 18. SAU (21-10) broke that tie, scoring eight consecutive points, which gave them a little breathing room. The Queen Bees wouldn't trail the rest of the day.  Waldorf (13-19) cut the lead back down to five with just under two minutes left in the half, but SAU doubled their lead before heading into the locker room, on a Johnna Gamble lay-up and a 3-pointer by Jennifer Goetz on consecutive trips down the floor.

That 10 point lead was a little too close for comfort and SAU came out in the second half to make sure there was no doubt about the outcome.  St. Ambrose used a 20-11 run in the first nine minutes to take command of the game with a 19-point lead. Waldorf would only get within 15 points the rest of the way. SAU was able to control the game thanks to the turnovers. SAU forced the Warriors into 15 turnovers, which they turned into 21 points.

Jennifer Goetz led SAU with 20 points on 9-of-13 shooting, to go along with her six rebounds. Ashlie Maher finished with 11 points off the bench, on 4-of-5 shooting, including one 3-pointer. Jody Wulff chipped in with 10 points and two assists. Johnna Gamble had one of her better games of the year, scoring eight points off the bench on 4-of-6 shooting, while also pulling down three rebounds and recoding two blocked shots.

Waldorf was led by Maria Stoner's 21 points and 11 rebounds. Kelly Houser chipped in with 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists for the Warriors, who shot just 30% in the second half. They were a combined 1-of-9 from 3-point range, while SAU shot 50% (6-for-12) from downtown.

The Queen Bees now advance to the MCC Championship game Monday night against Iowa Wesleyan. SAU lost both games they played against the Tigers this season, losing 67-63 in overtime at home, while dropping a 74-66 decision at Mt. Pleasant. Tip-off is set for 7:00 in Mt. Pleasant.

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