Box Score The Wayland Baptist Flying Queens started and finished strong Thursday night in their Sooner Athletic Conference game against Southwestern Assemblies of God University as the 14th-ranked Flying Queens defeated the Lions, 73-35, to secure the outright conference championship.
It's the first time in the Flying Queens' 21-year history with the SAC that they've claimed the title.
"It's a great honor to be the first, and our girls are taking pride in that," Coach
Alesha Robertson-Ellis said. "It was a pivotal game for us."
The Queens (21-4, 16-1 SAC) took that pride and produced one of their best defensive efforts of the season.
The Lady Lions (16-12, 9-8) were hassled on the defensive end early, which contributed to 16 percent shooting, eight turnovers and only six points in the first quarter.
By halftime the Queens held a 36-16 choke-hold on the Lady Lions, who upped their shooting percentage to 20 percent, while the Queens were at 54 percent.
"Our defense was explosive," Robertson-Ellis said. "I was really proud of them."
On the offensive side, a break from their usual barrage of long balls, the Queens worked the ball in the paint.
"We've been living off the 3-pointer," Robertson-Ellis said. "We needed to add driving to our game."
By end of the third quarter, the Queens had wrapped things up.
From a complete team effort, the biggest contribution came from junior transfer
Jade Jones, who earned her sixth double-double of the season with a season-high 20 points and 10 rebounds.
"She played hard and we need that from her every game," Robertson-Ellis said. "She's the best athlete on the floor."
Wayland's bench outscored the Lady Lions' entire team, 40-35, with only one player not scoring a basket.
"Our bench is just as good as our starters. We'll need that when we get to the national tournament," the coach said.
Right behind Jones was senior
Stephanie Afunugo with 11 points and nine boards.
"I just expect that out of her," Robertson-Ellis said.
Seniors
Laura Castillo and
Krystal Forthan were just short of double figures. Castillo finished with eight points and Forthan with seven points and rebounds, along with a season-high four blocks.
The Flying Queens will finish their regular-season at 1 p.m. Saturday against Texas Wesleyan (8-19, 3-14). On Jan 21 in Fort Worth, the Queens routed the Lady Rams, 91-60.
"They're the most athletic team we face," Robertson-Ellis said.
