Palm Beach, Fla.  - Cierra McNamee's 18 points and 9 rebounds helped the #15 Illinois Central College women's basketball team get back on the winning track with a 76-48 victory over Palm Beach State College in the Palm Beach State Classic on Saturday afternoon.  Peyton Dearing added 12 points and 5 assists while freshman Halie Gilbert pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds and added 8 points as the Cougars took an early lead and stretched it over the course of the game to move their overall record to 4-2.

"This was a great bounce-back game for us after a physical game yesterday," head coach Karrie Redeker said.  "Our bench gave us solid production and great energy which was a key to the win.  We all enjoyed the experience of a 'big' road trip and we'll now look forward to some time off for Thanksgiving break."

Both teams started at a frenetic pace but did not have a lot to show for it as the score was only 5-all midway through the opening period.  McNamee and Paris Wilson sparked a run as both had old-fashioned three-point plays to put ICC up 11-5.  Wilson added a nice post-entry pass to T'yana Lovelace for an inside score to give the Blue and Gold a 16-8 lead after the opening quarter.

In the second period, Jada Smith cranked up the defense for a steal and layup and then hit McNamee for a score to give ICC a 24-9 lead.  Halie Gilbert then kicked out to Peyton Dearing for a three-ball and Laisha Armendariz Lopez hit Dearing for another long-ball as ICC went into the half up 39-23.

The Panthers started the half with a small surge but the Cougars responded as Kyleigh Block hit McNamee and Dearing for baskets to counter.  Lopez found McNamee in transition for a quick layup and then McNamee kicked out to Miya Webb for a three-pointer as the Cougars took a 57-37 lead heading into the final frame.

Fourth quarter highlights included a Naomi Elliott score (assist Lovelace), another Wilson jumper, and a Kyleigh Block trey (assist Dearing) to close out the win. 

The Cougar bench outscored the hosts 24-9 

STATISTICAL LEADERS 
Cierra McNamee | 18 points, 9 rebounds
Peyton Dearing | 12 points, 5 assists, 1 charge taken
Naomi Elliott | 9 points, 4 rebounds
Halie Gilbert | 10 rebounds, 8 points, 4 assists
Paris Wilson | 8 points
Laisha Armendariz Lopez | 1 charge taken

I BEAT THE DEAN Hustle Award:  Miya Webb

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
2022 Morton College Classic
@ #2 Morton Panthers
Friday, December 2nd - 7PM
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