Box Score
ODESSA, Texas — In one of her best career performances,
Bria Bell and the Rattlers flew past Texas-Permian Basin Saturday, claiming the road victory 75-66.
Bell (Sr., Mesquite, Texas), who logged a season-high 29 minutes against the Falcons, tore on an 18-point showing with an 80 percent field-goal percentage (8-10) to tie her career high. The forward nearly captured a double-double, recording a team-high eight rebounds.
Bell's performance was critical in the victory and her ability to step up was key as starting forward
Morgan Pullins (Jr., Franklin, Mich.) went down early in foul trouble.
Jackie Woods (Sr., San Antonio) banked two 3's to record 15 points and a team-high five assists while
Kyra Littlejohn (Jr., Southfield, Mich.) chipped in 11 and
Dezirae Elias (So., Chandler, Ariz.) added 10 along with a team-high five steals.
Lia Kioa (Sr., Phoenix) and
Kiara Etheridge (Fr., San Antonio) each added nine points apiece.
The Falcons (2-10, 1-6 in conference) gave the Rattlers trouble in the first half, playing evenly as the pair went into the break tied at 28-28.
But the second half spurred Bell as she scored 14 of her 18 total points in the final frame to help the Rattlers outscore UTPB 47-38. The half was close until the final minutes when the Rattlers went on a 14-5 run to seal the victory.
The Rattlers improved to 11-2 on the season and 6-1 in conference play with the victory to remain one of the top teams in the Heartland Conference.
St. Mary's will return home to face historic rival and currently unbeaten in league play, St. Edward's. The Rattlers and Hilltoppers battle at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Bill Greehey Arena.
