The Wildcats used a hot shooting performance to finish their holiday home stand 3-0 with a 96-35 victory over Missouri Valley College.
Missouri Valley College (3-2) matched ACU for the first two minutes of the game, but an 11-0 run capped by a three-pointer from junior Alexis Mason, gave the Wildcats a lead they would increase as the game continued.
At the end of the first half the Wildcats had built a 49-24 lead behind a 51% field goal percentage and a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line.
“Our starters have set the tone better with each passing game,” head coach Julie Goodenough said. “They have done a great job being serious at home in establishing our tempo early in the first quarter.”
Despite cooling off slightly offensively, ACU took its defensive intensity to another level in the second half. The Wildcats held the Vikings to 4-27 from the field and just 11 points on their way to holding their opponent to less than 40 points for the second consecutive game.
ACU controlled all areas of the game, including the turnover battle by double digits, 18-7.
“A point of emphasis in our last 3 home games has been to value the ball,” Goodenough said. “We work really hard on defense to gain possession of the ball and then we need to take care of it.”
Five Wildcats scored in double digits for the second straight game, led by senior Whitney West with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. ACU also saw its bench post another 40-plus point performance, led by sophomore Sierra Allen and freshman McKenzie Martin, who posted 13 and 12 respectively.
Allen said the strong bench performance will be helpful as the team moves deeper into the season.
“I feel like it will help tremendously when we get in foul trouble this season and I can come in and score,” Allen said. “I also hope I can help by coming in and lighting a spark from the bench.”
The team returns the road Wednesday night when they take on their second Big 12 opponent of the season in Texas Tech. The Wildcats are 1-1 in their last two matchups against the Red Raiders.
