The University Hawks proved they can win big last Saturday (they won by 37) but on Monday they proved they can win the close ones too. They had just enough and edged Steubenville out 55-53. Given University's advantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 18th in West Virginia, while Steubenville is ranked 92nd in Ohio), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
University got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Bri Fox out in front who scored 18 points. Hannah Stemple was another key contributor, scoring 13 points along with three steals.
Despite the defeat, Steubenville saw an underclassman step up: Nylah Mcshan dropped a double-double on 24 points and 11 rebounds. That was a full 45.3% of Steubenville's points, marking the third time in a row she's earned more than a third of the team's points. The team also got some help courtesy of Bailee Beall, who scored 15 points.
The victory makes it two in a row for University and bumps their season record up to 6-8. As for Steubenville, their loss ended a four-game streak of wins at home and dropped them to 11-4.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. University will take on Buckhannon-Upshur at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Hopefully Buckhannon-Upshur focused on turnovers this week since the team gave up 34 on Thursday. As for Steubenville, they will be playing in front of their home fans against Linsly at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Linsly has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last four games.
