A dominant second quarter propelled the South Puget Sound women's basketball team to a 73-41 victory over Pierce on Feb. 18 in Northwest Athletic Conference action.
The Clippers improved to 17-7 overall and 8-2 in conference play, while Pierce fell to 1-23 on the season and 0-10 in league games.
After a competitive opening quarter that saw South Puget Sound hold a slim 13-11 lead, the Clippers broke the game open in the second period. South Puget Sound outscored Pierce 27-5 in the quarter to take a commanding 40-16 advantage into halftime.
Jaynee Tanner led the Clippers with 21 points and 11 rebounds, recording a double-double while adding a blocked shot and three steals. Makiah Wilbourn provided a strong lift off the bench with 13 points, and Mia Martinez finished with 12 points and six steals. Cristazia Cristobal filled the stat sheet with nine points, eight rebounds and a game-high nine assists.
South Puget Sound continued to extend its lead in the third quarter, outscoring Pierce 21-12 to push the margin to 61-28 entering the final period.
The Clippers controlled the glass throughout the contest, outrebounding Pierce 46-42 while collecting 22 offensive rebounds that led to second-chance opportunities. South Puget Sound also forced 36 turnovers and converted those into scoring chances, finishing with 26 steals as a team.
Pierce was led by Malea Berridge, who scored 17 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. Adhau Chol added 10 points and seven rebounds, while Alicia-Ellalynn Soliai and Maesha Muaau each grabbed six rebounds.
South Puget Sound shot 38.5% from the field and totaled 16 assists in the win. Pierce shot 31.7% and committed 36 turnovers.
