SSU WBB moves to 4-0 at home; 6-1 on season with 70-55 victory over WV Tech

PORTSMOUTH, Ohio -- In a River States Conference matchup Saturday afternoon against the West Virginia Tech Golden Bears' women's basketball program, the women's basketball program at Shawnee State put three players in double-figures, forced West Virginia Tech into 20 turnovers and outrebounded WV Tech by a plus-12 margin (41-29) en route to claiming a 70-55 victory that moved the Bears to 6-1 overall and allowed SSU to pick up program win No. 896 at Waller Gymnasium in Portsmouth.

Transition off of turnovers critical

In Saturday's River States Conference-opening triumph, Shawnee State (6-1, 1-0 River States Conference) got the jump on West Virginia Tech (1-9, 0-1 River States Conference) by forcing 20 turnovers and turning those miscues into 23 Shawnee State points. SSU forced 14 of West Virginia Tech's 20 misplays in the first and third quarters alone, and only committed two themselves in the fourth frame of action to help offset a 23-of-66 shooting mark from the field.

Gregory stays dependable

Continuing to play the lead guard position with confidence and poise, Sanaya Gregory showed why she's continued to hold the keys to the spot at Shawnee State.

The 5-5 senior guard from East Lansing, Mich. played a team-high 27 minutes and led the Bears by notching 13 points, three assists and a team-best 5-of-5 mark from the charity stripe in Saturday's 15-point triumph. Gregory scored or assisted on five straight points during one first quarter stretch, then posted each of SSU's last five points to end the third quarter as the Bears held a 47-39 advantage heading into the fourth and final quarter of play.

Gregory's perfect 5-of-5 showing from the free throw line helped Shawnee State, as a team, go 16-of-17 from that area (94.1 percent), and the senior posted her three assists while committing just one turnover, with her generalship helping SSU collect 11 assists on 22 made baskets in all.

Hawthorne adds scoring punch off of bench

A multi-positional talent, Shawnee State junior forward Lauren Hawthorne's versatility can give teams headaches. Hawthorne's length and ability to hit the outside shot but also finish in traffic were features that allowed Hawthorne to post a 12-point, five-rebound, two-assist, one-steal line.

Hawthorne scored or assisted on 12 of Shawnee State's last 19 points to end the opening half, then scored five critical fourth-quarter tallies to help the Bears grab a 54-41 lead with 8:10 to play in the contest.

The Hebron, Ky. native finished 4-of-6 from the field, 2-of-2 from the free throw line and 2-of-2 from three-point range in the victory.

Ms. Double-Double

Another game, another double-double performance in the bag for Cianna Gloster -- who continues building on a terrific Shawnee State career as evidenced by yet another double-double performance Saturday.

The 6-0 senior forward from Flint, Mich. nabbed 11 points and 11 rebounds to go along with four steals despite missing over 10 minutes of the first half and nearly six minutes of the third quarter due to foul trouble. Even so, Gloster still posted her fifth double-double in six contests and nabbed her 23rd double-double in her 36th career game at Shawnee State in what continues to be one of the most impressive -- and underrated -- statlines in the country.

Maynard, Chambers provide infusion off of the bench

Playing with high energy and showcasing their skillsets throughout, Emily Maynard and Jonilyah Chambers were big for Shawnee State with their nine point outings.

Maynard, who went 3-of-6 from three-point range, also added six rebounds, two steals and a block in a strong floor game for the sophomore, while Chambers provided a spark with her explosiveness in transition and off of the bounce, supplying nine points to continue what has been a solid freshman campaign that has Chambers right in the thick of the rotation.

Additional

Jada Johnson (six points, six rebounds, two assists), Lexi Deaver (four points, three rebounds, two assists) and Miyoshi Ellis (three rebounds, two assists, one steal, two points) filled a variety of needed hats for Shawnee State Saturday as well.

The Bears return to action Monday morning with a contest at NCAA Division II Cedarville in Cedarville, Ohio at the Callan Athletic Center. Game time is set for 11 a.m. as part of Kids Day in Cedarville.