The defense of the Triton College women's basketball team rose to the occasion in the second half of their game Dec. 16 at Olive-Harvey College. The highly anticipated first meeting between the schools since last seasons Region 4 Division I Championship game looked like it would be a nail-biter with the game tied at 29 at halftime.
However, the Trojans stingy 2-3 zone flustered the home side as Triton broke the contest open by outscoring the Panthers 26-2 in the third quarter en route to running away to a 73-42 victory.
The Trojans go into the holiday break winners of four straight and now within a game of .500 at 7-8 overall after playing the most difficult first half schedule of any team in the region. Most importantly, Triton is a perfect 7-0 in Region 4 Division I games.
Sophomore guard
Jayla Rankin once again showed why she is one of the best players in the region, leading the Trojans with a game-high 25 points along with five steals and four assists. Rankin has scored at least 20 points in all four games of the Triton win streak.
Mariah Phelps gave the Trojans a strong game with 12 points and five rebounds.
Jazzmine Smith played well off the bench with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Jocelyn Tibbetts and
Alivia Brown scored eight points apiece. Proviso West grad
Charity Anderson added six points and 10 rebounds for Triton.
For the game, the Trojans forced 27 Olive-Harvey (6-7) turnovers and had 19 total steals as a team.
Triton will meet the Panthers one more time in the regular season on Tuesday, February 10 at the Jorndt Athletic Complex gymnasium.
But for now, the Trojans will use the time-off over the holidays to rest and recover as the team is not back in action until after new year on Thursday, Jan. 8 when they entertain Milwaukee Area Tech in River Grove. Game time is 6 p.m.
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