YUMA, Ariz---The Arizona Western Lady Matadors (2-2) overcame a slow first quarter and a below average shooting night to knock off the Owens (OH) Community College Express 67-52 Friday night in the opener of the 2019 Desert Classic.
Arlyssa Underwood’s near triple-double ended as a double-double, 12 pts, 10 boards, and 7 assists to lead a Matador attack that found its rhythm in the second quarter.
The Matadors fell behind early to Owens, and shot just 2 of 13 from three in the first half, before closing the second quarter strong to take a 28-24 lead at the break.
Harria Mendoza was another exception in efficiency as she led all scorers with 16 points on a very efficient 6-9 night from the field.
While the Matadors shooting numbers weren’t perfect, the second chance points became an area in which they separated themselves. AWC outrebounded Owens 50-29, and outscored the Express in second chances 17-4.
The Mats held the Express off the boards by snagging twenty-three offensive rebounds.
That buoyed a Matador team that was just seven of twenty from the free throw line.
Arizona Western concludes the Desert Classic on Saturday hosting Colorado Northwestern at 5:30pm at The House.
