Judson women prevail

Going into Wednesday night's contest at Judson University's Lindner Fitness Center, both the host Eagles and Purdue University-Calumet were vying for a season-first Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference victory.

Judson coach Jim Cook was more than confident that his team could and would get the win.

Behind an inspiring team effort, the Eagles delivered, earning the 81-61 win working consistently on all cylinders for 40 minutes.

The game remained close for most of the first half, but after three lead changes, Judson committed to staying on top taking a 37-30 lead into second half action.

The Eagles obtained the 7-point halftime lead out-rebounding Purdue 29-14 with Alicia Rovertoni and Devonaye Henderson combining for 18 boards. Henderson was most efficient on defensive snags pulling down six, while Rovertoni created several second-chances for the Eagle offense nabbing 6 offensive boards. Judson connected for four baskets off second chances in the first half alone.

Offensively, Judson (6-11, 1-1) went on an early 17-8 run behind timely buckets from Rovertoni (19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks) and Henderson (12 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals), who each recorded double-doubles before Calumet seized the lead at 25-24.

But persistence paid off as the Eagles outscored Calumet (3-17, 0-2) 13-5 to get back on top before the break.

"We were quicker than Calumet so we pushed the ball hard," said Cook. "We made it difficult for them to keep up."

Pleased with first half efforts, Cook made no adjustments at the half. Still, the Eagles took it to a higher level increasing their lead to 19 points to go up 58-39 with 13:07 left to play. With 12:23 remaining, Judson led by 24 points.

Rovertoni, who produced her fourth double-double of the season, continued to score getting bench help in the 21-8 run from Crystal Goodall (9 points) and Heidi Rosenbaum (13 points). The Judson bench outscored Calumet 17-3.

"The girls settled down in the second half and started to dominate," said Cook. "We did a much better job tonight defensively than we have been doing too.

"Our goal defensively was to keep No. 12 out of the paint which the girls did successfully."

Calumet couldn't do the same defensive job on Judson's Kirstin Johns, who tallied 14 points, 12 via the layup.

"This was a nice win for us," said Cook. "It is always a team effort with this group."