Trojans Downed by Berea 61-43

UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor woman's basketball was blitzed by Berea Saturday inside of Odle Arena, as the NCAA Division III Mountaineers went on a 17-0 run in the opening half to break open a big lead which proved to be insurmountable for the Trojans.

Taylor's biggest deficit in the first half was 22 points, but the Trojans were able to cut the lead to 15 at the intermission with a 6-0 spurt of their own. Berea however was up to the task of maintaining the lead in the second half, as the Mountaineers cruised to the 18 point victory.

Berea's variety of defensive zones and traps kept Taylor out of rhythm throughout the night, as the Mountaineers forced the Trojans into 20 turnovers, many of which were steals turned into fast break layups on the other end. Berea had 16 steals for the game, led by Johnesha Warren's five.

Berea had 24 turnovers of its own against the Taylor defense, but many of them were dead ball turnovers that Taylor was unable to take advantage of. The Mountaineers were very efficient on the offensive end and often found quality looks inside the paint on their way to 50 percent shooting from the field. Taylor on the other hand suffered its worst shooting performance of the season at just 23 percent from the field and 0-12 from beyond the arc.

Warren led Berea with 23 points, while Alexis Calhoun had 11 points and 10 rebounds. Rayven Shead also made strong contributions with 10 points and nine rebounds for the Mountaineers.

Taylor was led by a double-double effort from freshman Megan Richardson, who recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end. Senior forward Erinn Behn also reached double-figure scoring with 10 points while grabbing eight rebounds.

Taylor (4-4, 1-0 CL) will look to bounce back in its next contest, which comes Wednesday on the road against No.1 Saint Francis. The game will begin at 7:00 pm.