The Capital University women's basketball team continued its perfect run to start the 2011-12 season Saturday, defeating No. 17 Thomas More 65-59 on the first day of the Thomas More Julie Costello Classic in Crestview Hills, Ky.
Despite seeing their 18-point lead shrink to three points with just over two minutes to play in the game, the Crusaders (4-0) hung on for their second victory over a team ranked in the D3hoops.com Top 25 poll. Capital also beat then-No. 18 Hope 62-53 at the Mount St. Joseph Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 18.
"Our kids are feeling really good and are playing really well together," said Capital coach Dixie Jeffers, who is now just three wins away from career win No. 600. "We're getting better and better every time out. They made a run in the second half to cut our lead but we hung on. That experience will benefit the team in the future."
Senior Shalena Hawkins (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a double-double with team highs of 14 points and 11 rebounds, just ahead of three other players who scored in double figures.
The Crusaders shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 54.5 percent in the second half, while holding the Saints (1-1) to just 32.7 percent. Capital also outrebounded Thomas More 40-32 in the contest.
"Defensively, our kids are playing really well," Jeffers said. "We contained their inside game and outrebounded them as well. It was a good basketball game, and another good team win."
Junior Rebekah Will (Millbury, Ohio) posted 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while senior Hilary Kuhns (Fairfield, Ohio) added 12 points and six rebounds of her own to go along with a team-best three steals.
Sophomore Jamie Caton (Hilliard, Ohio) chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
The Crusaders jumped out to a commanding 25-4 lead just under 15 minutes into the first half before the Saints countered with a run to close the deficit to 29-20 heading into the locker room.
In the second, freshman Shelby Sheets (Fayetteville, Ohio) gave Capital a 52-34 advantage with just over eight minutes on the clock. Thomas More again responded with a big run, making it a one-possession game at 57-54 with 2:48 left.
The Crusaders closed out the contest on an 8-5 run for the final margin.
Capital knocked down 13-of-17 free throws and four of its eight attempts from 3-point range, including Will's 3-for-4 performance.
The Crusaders continue tournament play against Maryville (Tenn.) tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Despite seeing their 18-point lead shrink to three points with just over two minutes to play in the game, the Crusaders (4-0) hung on for their second victory over a team ranked in the D3hoops.com Top 25 poll. Capital also beat then-No. 18 Hope 62-53 at the Mount St. Joseph Tip-Off Tournament on Nov. 18.
"Our kids are feeling really good and are playing really well together," said Capital coach Dixie Jeffers, who is now just three wins away from career win No. 600. "We're getting better and better every time out. They made a run in the second half to cut our lead but we hung on. That experience will benefit the team in the future."
Senior Shalena Hawkins (Cincinnati, Ohio) recorded a double-double with team highs of 14 points and 11 rebounds, just ahead of three other players who scored in double figures.
The Crusaders shot 42.9 percent from the field, including 54.5 percent in the second half, while holding the Saints (1-1) to just 32.7 percent. Capital also outrebounded Thomas More 40-32 in the contest.
"Defensively, our kids are playing really well," Jeffers said. "We contained their inside game and outrebounded them as well. It was a good basketball game, and another good team win."
Junior Rebekah Will (Millbury, Ohio) posted 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals, while senior Hilary Kuhns (Fairfield, Ohio) added 12 points and six rebounds of her own to go along with a team-best three steals.
Sophomore Jamie Caton (Hilliard, Ohio) chipped in with 10 points off the bench.
The Crusaders jumped out to a commanding 25-4 lead just under 15 minutes into the first half before the Saints countered with a run to close the deficit to 29-20 heading into the locker room.
In the second, freshman Shelby Sheets (Fayetteville, Ohio) gave Capital a 52-34 advantage with just over eight minutes on the clock. Thomas More again responded with a big run, making it a one-possession game at 57-54 with 2:48 left.
The Crusaders closed out the contest on an 8-5 run for the final margin.
Capital knocked down 13-of-17 free throws and four of its eight attempts from 3-point range, including Will's 3-for-4 performance.
The Crusaders continue tournament play against Maryville (Tenn.) tomorrow at 2 p.m.
