Cats continue winning streak with defeat of Bluejays

The Wildcats protected their perfect regular season start Tuesday night at Bramlage Coliseum as they defeated the Creighton Bluejays 64-55.
However, the victory did not come easy, as the Wildcats found themselves in an early hole when the Bluejays began the game with a quick 13-2 run behind the sharp shooting of junior guard Chevelle Herring.
“I didn’t feel as though we started the game with a lot of productive energy, and defensively we were pretty passive,” head coach Deb Patterson said. “We were trying to play hard but we were very slow to get going.”
Creighton built the early lead as Herring went 3 for 4 shooting, including two consecutive three pointers to open the first half.
Herring continued to be a challenge for the Wildcats as she finished with a game high 23 points.
“Herring had a tremendous night for them,” Patterson said. “I think she is a very fine player.”
Yet the Wildcats crawled their way back into the game following a timeout with a 16-5 run. Junior Forward Ashley Sweat hit two field goals, along with a 3-pointer by Kelsey Nelson to help the Wildcats gain momentum that would carry them into half time with a 26-22 lead.
“Our only thought was that we have to battle back,” Sweat said. “We already dug ourselves a hole. I think we play well enough as a team together if we are firing on all cylinders, [showing] that we can definitely come back from that.”
The Bluejays managed climb back into the game as they tied the score at 35 with Herring connecting on a lay-up with 14:59 remaining in the second half.
Yet the Wildcats responded again as Sweat scored nine consecutive points to help the Wildcats build a lead that they would never give up. Sweat was dominating in the second half as 16 of her 20 points came after the halftime.
“We needed to find a solution down the stretch, something we could go to and she [Sweat] made not just great plays off the catch but she got herself open well,” Patterson said. “And just had an overall really good night on both ends of the floor for us.”
The defense was highlighted by senior forward Marlies Gipson who had a game high five blocks and five defensive rebounds.
“I think in critical stages in the games all year long, Marlies has stepped up and really asserted herself on the boards and as a shot blocker.” Patterson said.
With the win, the Wildcats are off to an 8-0 start, and Patterson contributes to the way in which her team is finishing games.
“We are finding ways to complete games — sometimes it’s ugly and sometimes it’s with blemishes so to speak in the course of the game, but we are finding a way to win and when it’s all said and done that’s what it’s all about,” Patterson said.