WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Playing on the road in the Crossroads League is never an easy feat but the Huntington women’s basketball team begged to differ Saturday afternoon at Ariel Arena where they led from start to finish in an 85-67 clash with Mount Vernon (6-8, 0-4).

HU found the bottom of the net 52.5 percent of the time by going 32-for-61 from the floor which included knocking down nine triples at a clip of 47.4 percent. Both percentages proved season highs.

Not only did Maggard’s crew have their best shooting outing of the season, but the guests also committed a season-low five turnovers. Additionally, Huntington canned 12 of their 13 freebies for 80.0 percent.

The Foresters came to do business from opening tip by bolting out to a 12-0 lead. Against the offensive-minded Cougars, no lead was safe, but HU was up for the challenge. The hosts trimmed it to four on two occasions in the first frame without fazing Maggard’s crew as they took a 39-32 lead into the break.

The third quarter saw Mount Vernon whittle the gap to a mere two points at 46-44 by the five-minute mark but just like the opening 20 minutes, Huntington had an answer. This time that answer came by way of a 13-2 run that included three long balls in a three-minute spurt for a 59-46 difference.

Nine points was as close as it would get after that as Huntington spent the final ten minutes outscoring the Cougars 24-15 to make for the lopsided affair.

After seeing limited action in the first half due to foul trouble, Gabi Melby unleashed for 23 second half points to finish with a game-best 28 points. Bailey Kelham had an all-around solid afternoon by posting 22 points, three boards, three assists and two steals. Emily Seboe, for the second straight contest, notched a double double by collecting 14 points and 11 rebounds.

With today’s win, the Foresters improve to 9-5 overall which includes a 3-1 league record. Huntington has won their last two games at MVNU. Next up is a home game against Marian on Saturday at 1:00 p.m.