Courtesy of Midland Athletics
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Midland University ventured to Fort Lauderdale, Florida before the holiday break to compete in the 2023 Cruzin Classic. The Warriors kicked off the classic with a 66-61 victory over the Florida National University on Monday afternoon.
Jenna Weber and Sarah Shepard set the tone early on for the Warriors, sparking a 10-2 run in the first quarter. The Conquistadors countered with a 10-3 run, narrowing the gap to 13-12, with less than a minute remaining. Aryannah Harrison‘s three-pointer and Weber’s free throws extended the Warriors advantage 17-12 at the end of the first.
The second quarter commenced with Emma Shepard sinking a three-pointer. Midland continued its run as it grew the lead reached 31-19 at the midway point. Harrison’s layup, coupled with consecutive three-pointers from Weber and Shepard, fueled the surge. Florida National responded with an 8-3 run in an attempt to reduce the deficit and after a series of exchanges at the free throw line, Gabby Beauperthuy concluded the half with a jumper to put Midland in front, 39-28, at halftime.
After the intermission, the Conquistadors launched a 9-2 run to start the third quarter. As the teams engaged in a back-and-forth scoring, Ellie Bovaird‘s three-pointer pushed the Warriors’ lead back to double digits, 55-44, heading into the final ten minutes of action.
Florida National began its comeback attempt with a 13-2 run at the beginning of the quarter, taking a 59-57 lead. The lead was short-lived as Beauperthuy made a jump shot to tie the game at 59-59 with 3:33 left to go. As the clock ticked down, the Conquistadors resorted to fouling to extend the game. the Warriors were able to hold on down the stretch, scoring seven crucial points at the line to secure a 66-62 victory.
Jenna Weber led the Warriors with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Aryannah Harrison followed with 12 points while Gabby Beauperthuy had 11 points.
For the game, Midland shot 18-of-52 (34.6%) while Florida National was 23-of-61 (37.7%). The Warriors had a big advantage behind the arc, connecting on 10 three-pointers.
“Any road win is a good win. This is also two in a row after the exhibition win vs Nebraska Wesleyan. Which is exactly what we need for our confidence,” commented head coach Shawn Gilbert. “I thought we handled the pressure well. We had a nice lead but turnovers allowed Florida National back in the game, and actually let them take the lead. I was proud of how we fought back, got some stops, made free throws, and got the win.”
“We continue to rely on our defense and ability to rebound the basketball. That allows us to stay in games,” added Coach Gilbert. “Jenna had a solid game on both ends of the floor. She and Emma did a great job defending their best player. Just thought as a team we defended very well. If you turn it over as much as we did, you better guard and rebound.”
The Warriors will get a day’s break before wrapping up competition in the 2023 Cruzin Classic. Midland (3-9) will take on St. Thomas University (8-2) on Wednesday, December 20. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. (CT) in Fort Lauderdale.
