Women’s basketball: Lopsided win puts end to losing streak

After struggling through the early part of its non-conference schedule, the Oakland University women’s basketball team (2-4) made the most of a game against Marygrove College, winning 95-40 at the O’Rena Monday night.

The victory ended the team’s three-game losing streak.

The tone was set early, as the Golden Grizzlies jumped out to a 15-0 lead in the first four minutes of the game.

At halftime, OU held a 53-9 advantage on the scoreboard, thanks largely to their efficiency from the field, shooting close to 60 percent.

Oakland head coach Beckie Francis said her team lived up to her expectations for the game.

“I was very pleased with the intensity of our players in the first half,” Francis said. “I thought we created some havoc for them in terms of them running their offense and we forced them to turn the ball over. I was pleased with the whole team. The bench performance was really good.”

In the second half, Francis took the opportunity to give her bench players extended playing time, with all 10 players who were dressed for the game receiving at least 13 minutes.

Senior Melissa Jeltema’s 17 points and 11 rebounds were team-highs as she recorded her 19th career double-double.

Freshman forward Bethany Watterworth notched 14 points along with seven rebounds and seven assists in 22 minutes.

Four other Grizzlies scored in double figures.

“I think with passing and learning our offense, they are doing a great job. I was so impressed with how unselfish our play was,” Francis said.

This was the third all-time meeting between the two schools, with Oakland coming away victorious by huge margins in all three games.