Well-balanced Queens chalk up another win

Less than 48 hours after defeating Mid-America Christian, the sixth-ranked Wayland Baptist Flying Queens reigned in another whopping victory over University of Science and Arts Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon at Hutcherson Center, 98-64.
 
USAO (9-5, 4-2 Sooner Athletic Conference) kept the game close early, even leading by one midway through the first quarter. But it wouldn't last. A bucket by Cailyn Breckel followed by a 3-pointer by Morgan Bennett gave the Flying Queens a lead they would never relinquish en route to their eighth-straight victory.
 
Wayland (12-2, 5-1 SAC) finished the first quarter ahead 23-16, then an energetic and determined Queens team dominated the second period, outscoring the Drovers, 27-8 for a 50-24 halftime lead. The Queens accomplished their surge on impressive 8-of-14 (57 percent) shooting from the field – including 5-of-8 3s – and 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
 
The closest the Drovers, who outscored Wayland in the third 26-23, came in the second half was early in the fourth quarter when Tori James sank a 3-pointer to cut their deficit to 20, but the Queens quickly responded and built their lead to as many as 34 by outscoring USAO 23-14 in the fourth.
 
"We're moving the ball better, playing team ball, finding open shots and high-quality shots, which helps with our scoring," WBU coach Alesha Ellis said.
 
The Queens' scoring was led by Bennett, who finished with 17 points (14 in the first half) and five assists. Close behind her were fellow Shallowater product Breckel with 15 points (13 in the second half) and Kaylee Edgemon with 14 and 10 rebounds, making the junior the fourth Flying Queen with a double-double this season.
 
With nine points and a game-high 11 rebounds (she had eight points and 10 boards at halftime), Jenna Cooper just missed her second straight double-double.
 
"I loved looking over the stat sheet. It was a solid team effort and everyone put up good numbers," Ellis said.
 
Also scoring in double digits were Payton Brown with 12 (10 in the first half) and Blakely Gerber, a freshman who reached double-digits for the first time by chipping in 10 second-half points.
 
"I always treasure those moments when we get our younger players in the game because it makes the team better," Ellis said.

After hitting a season-best 14 3s Thursday, Wayland matched it by going 14-of-29 (48 percent) as they shot 37-of-71 (52 percent) overall. The Queens also made 10-of-13 (77 percent) from the foul line.
 
The Drovers, led by Reyna Ammons and Khady Sene each with 11 points, were held to 27-of-76 (36 percent) field goal shooting, going 5-of-20 (25 percent) from the 3-point line.
 
Wayland finished with 37 bench points, 45 rebounds, 20 assists, and only 10 turnovers; the Drovers gave it away 14 times.
 
"I'm proud of the kids who came off the bench and did so well today, and I'm proud of our starters for getting in there and setting a good tone at the beginning," Ellis said.
 
The Queens continue conference play on the road at Langston at 6 p.m. Thursday. Langston (3-6, 1-4) was off Saturday but hosts John Brown on Monday. The Flying Queens wind up next week in Kansas taking on Central Christian (4-9, 1-5) on Saturday afternoon.