Ina, Ill. - Cierra McNamee's 23 points led the #10 Illinois Central College women's basketball team to a 67-61 victory over D1 Rend Lake College on Monday night at Waugh Gym.  McNamee had 23 points, including 17 in the second half, while Kyleigh Block added 11 points for the Cougars, who moved their overall record to 7-3.

The Cougars got down 12-6 in the opening minutes before they tightened the defense and went on a run to take an 18-13 lead after the first period.  McNamee and Peyton Dearing combined for 12 of those points while Laisha Armendariz Lopez, Macy Petelin, and Halie Gilbert each added field goals in the run.  

The Warriors bagged two three-pointers to start the second quarter, but Naomi Elliott and Block countered with bombs of their own to help give ICC a 31-22 advantage at the half.

ICC came out strong in the third period, scoring on six of their first seven possessions as McNamee went to work in the paint, scoring eleven points in the stanza.  Block tossed in another three-ball, Dearing added a layup, Jada Smith had a baseline jumper, and Gilbert hit a free throw jumper as ICC took a 53-43 lead.

The Cougars kept feeding McNamee inside while Elliott and Block connected for two more three-pointers to help ICC get the win.

LEADERS (UNOFFICIAL STATS)
Cierra McNamee | 23 points, 7 rebounds and I BEAT THE DEAN HUSTLE AWARD
Kyleigh Block | 11 points
Peyton Dearing | 9 points, 5 assists, 1 charge taken
Naomi Elliott | 8 points
Halie Gilbert | 7 rebounds, 6 points, 6 assists

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
vs. D1 #21 Moberly Area Greyhounds (11-2)
Wednesday, December 14th - 5:30 PM
@ Ramsey Gym - East Peoria, Ill.
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