Women’s basketball rolls Spokane

The NIC women’s basketball team put together a strong second half to defeat rival Spokane 55-44 Wednesday night at home.

Halle Eborall attempts a lay-up in the first half. Eborall has been a defensive force for the Cards. Her 42 steals on the season are the fifteenth most in the NWAC.

The win was NIC’s fourth in a row, and came over a now 10-7 Spokane team. The Cards now stand at 5-2 in conference play, and are currently in a three-way tie for second place in the East with Wenatchee Valley and Yakima Valley.

The Cards shot a poor 28 percent from the field in the first half, but they managed to force 9 turnovers and out-rebound Spokane 20 to 13, to keep the score close at halftime. 

NIC entered the second half down 26-25, but held on tight and managed to have a 36-35 lead at the start of the fourth quarter. The Cards then exploded when it mattered most, as they have grown accustomed to lately, and outscored Spokane 18-9 in the final quarter to win 54-44.

Leading the way offensively was Anna Schrade, who had 14 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Demi Randall had 12 points and a team high 9 rebounds, while Halle Eborall and Alex Carlton both added 11 points and two assists.

Up next for the Cards (5-2. 11-7) is a game at fifth-ranked Yakima Valley (5-2, 15-5) Saturday Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. before returning home to play Treasure Valley (3-3, 9-6) Saturday Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. The Cards lost their previous match-up against Treasure Valley earlier this season 66-67.