SALINA, Kan. (SCWarriors.com) – Sterling took the lead with five minutes left to play in the first half and did not give it up again until late in the fourth quarter against Kansas Wesleyan University. After taking the lead, the Lady Warriors pulled away by as many as 13 in the second quarter, led by Korynn Clason, who scored 13 points in the second quarter and had 19 in the first half. Sterling had a 41-33 lead mid-way through the game. In the third quarter, KWU came back but a late surge by Sterling helped them to maintain a 6 point lead with 10 minutes to play. A slow start for the Warriors and Kansas Wesleyan was able to cut into the lead and eventually take the lead with four minutes to play in the game. The Coyotes took the lead and never gave it up again. They led by as many as nine down the stretch, and finished the game with a 78-71 win.
Korynn Clason led all scorers with 24 points, 19 in the first half. Alissa Heskamp finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds after spending a good portion of the first half on the bench in foul trouble. Alex Bearup just missed a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Sterling shot an incredible 71% in the second quarter, but balanced that by a tough fourth quarter. They finished the game at a very respectable 49% from the field. It is worth noting that Sterling shot 17 less free throws and made 16 less free throws.
With the loss, Sterling is 7-2 overall and 3-1 in KCAC play. Sterling returns home Saturday night starting a 3-game home stand. They play Oklahoma Wesleyan University at 1 pm in the Gleason Center. The Eagles are 3-6 this season, riding a two-game winning streak.
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