The ACU Wildcats beat the Arlington Baptist Patriots in a record-setting performance on Tuesday. The 108-56 victory was largely due to a team record 18 three-pointers in ACU’s first non-conference game in more than month.
“A lot of times you take a break from conference play, and you play a non-conference opponent. And that’s what we did today,” head coach Julie Goodenough said. “We had to figure out how to come ready to play, even though it wasn’t a conference game.”
Marquez, the lone senior, stole the show and scored a career-high of 32 points along with eight rebounds, six assists and two steals, to finish off an overall superb performance. Of the 18 record-setting three-pointers, she made eight by herself.
“It’s all from God,” Marquez said. “Nothing I or the team does on the floor is by us.”
The ‘Cats were ready for the Patriots from the get-go. A 29-4 run by ACU in the first half blew the game wide open. By half time, they had poured in 10 three-pointers and nearly 60 points.
“On any given night, any team could win,” Marquez said. “We just focused the same as we would any other game.”
The Wildcats had six double-digit scorers for the second time this season. Freshman guard Lizzy Dimba netted 19 points and was a board away from a double-double. Her sister, freshman forward Suzzy, had 13 and 13 for her ninth double-double of the year. Freshman guard Alexis Mason shot the ball well for 14 points, and sophomore guard Whitney West and freshman guard Jessica Elkins each added 11 points.
The Patriots were led by sophomore guard Morgan Hale who had 27 points and 10 rebounds.
Marquez has only four games left to play for the season, one of them being one final home game at Moody Coliseum.
“I get teary-eyed thinking about her not being apart of our team,” Goodenough said. “Our program is really going to miss her.”
Marquez wants to end the year without a single regret.
“For the rest of the season, I’m just trying to give my best playing for the Lord, leaving everything on the court,” Marquez said. “I’m just going to give everything and whatever comes with it comes with. All I can do is give my best.”
The Wildcats (15-11, 5-5) will be back in action Thursday at 2 p.m. against Nicholls State (13-11, 8-5). The Colonels are 3-2 over their last five games.
