By: Wichita State
WICHITA, Kan. - Using a 22-8 run to open the game, the Wichita State women's basketball
team cruised to a 79-57 victory over Oral Roberts in the opening round of the
WNIT Friday night at Charles Koch Arena and in the process tied the lead for
most victories in a season in program history.
Wichita State (20-12)
senior Haleigh Lankster and junior Jessica Diamond led the Shockers with 21 and
20 points respectively in a highly efficient game for both players.
Lankster was the star of
the show in the Shockers first half domination of the visiting Eagles, scoring
18 of her 21 points, leading the Shockers into the halftime break with a
comfortable 51-28 lead. In the half, Lankster connected on eight of her 10 shot
attempts including two three pointers. She was forced to leave the game early
in the second half with what appeared to be a right arm injury and did not
return.
The Shockers stifling
defense in the first half provided constant headaches for the Oral Roberts
backcourt forcing the Eagles into 15 first half turnovers compared to the
Shockers six.
In the second half Wichita
State played more of a ball control style offense using up larger portions of
the clock with a comfortable lead in hand. Oral Roberts never got closer than
14 in the second half. Diamond steadily controlled the ball in the half
and made a multitude of pull up jump shots from just outside the key.
Oral Roberts (20-11) was
led by Kevi Luper's 17 points. Jordan Pyle added 14 points and five rebounds.
Wichita State will now
travel to Stillwater, Okla. to take on the Oklahoma State Cowgirls in a second
round matchup Sunday at 2 p.m.
-WICHITA STATE-
