(Mesa, AZ) Behind a career-high 35 points from Kayla Schroeder, The Park University Gilbert women’s basketball (4-4) got back on the winning track with a 21-point win, at A 90-71 over Bethesda University of California at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
The Bucs got off to a slow start, trailing the Lion Angels after one period 26-22. Bethesda shot 52 percent from the floor in the first quarter to just 36 percent for Park Gilbert but five three-pointers kept the Bucs close.
Park would outscore Bethesda 20-13 in the second quarter as they retook the lead by three at the half. Savannah Huerta led the Bucs with 12 points in the quarter and 21 points at the half.
Park Gilbert who played their normal 3-2 zone in the first half, came out in man-to-man defense to start the second half to apply more defensive pressure and forced some early turnovers. The Bucs would outscore the Lion Angels 20-17 in the frame and took a six-point lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter is where Schroeder took over and the Bucs defense wore down a depleted opponent. Schroeder, who entered the quarter with 13 points, went off for 22 points in the final frame on 8-12 shooting from the floor and 5-7 from three-point range to break her own career high for points with 35, breaking her previous mark of 33 set last year against Cal Maritime. The Bucs outscored the Lion Angels 29-14 which resulted in a 21-point win.
As a team, the Buccaneers tied the school record for three-pointers in a game with 20. The Buccaneers have now made 12 or more three-pointers in six of the eight games they have played as they lead the country in three-pointers made per game.
Park’s defense also played a part in the final outcome as the Bucs forced 30 turnovers and turned it into 22 points.
Huerta scored a season high 28 points and set the school record for three-pointers made in a game with nine. Schroeder also set a career high for three-pointers made with eight. Both players held the previous school record with seven. Huerta also led the team with seven assists.
This is the last home game for Park Gilbert until they open conference play on January 4, 2025, against OUAZ. The Bucs will be on the road for four games in December starting with Cal Maritime next week on December 5.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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