BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The first time the Lady Raiders played Lindenwood-Belleville JV, they held them to three points in the third quarter. They didn't accomplish the same feat in the rematch Tuesday, but they did give up seven points in two different quarters and won 87-38 on the road. "We set a goal to hold them underneath 40. They had 19 at half so we knew we were on our way," Three Rivers coach Jeff Walk said. "We're progressing rather nicely. Our man-to-man isn't where we want it to be, our zone isn't bad, but we need to have two, three options going into the second semester." Three Rivers has now held an opponent to under 10 points in a quarter six times this season. Wednesday's game was the second time they did it twice in one game. It was also the fewest points a team has scored against the Lady Raiders this season, who are allowing 49.9 points per game.

The Lady Raider defense held Lindenwood to 23 percent shooting, forced 31 turnovers and had 19 steals for 38 points off turnovers. "We want to make sure we can get out and check every shot and try to limit them to one shot," Walk said. Seven different Lady Raiders had at least two steals. Markeia Porter and Lakeita Chappel both had four to lead the team. Five Lady Raiders finished in double figures as the eight active players all played at least 20 minutes. DeNayia Holmes led the team with 22 points on 8 for 11 shooting. She also had six assists and four rebounds. Lakeita Chappel had her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds. She also had three assists as the team got 18 total assists. "She had one of her better games. I don't know what happened last night. I think she got bumped and took exception to that," Walk said. "Lakeita can just play." Hailee Erickson sank five 3-pointers and finished with 17 points nad four rebounds while Dejah Malveaux had 11 points and six rebounds and Casey Douglas added 10 points. Three Rivers also shot 44.7 percent as a team for its third best shooting performance of the season. They tied a season high by attempting 29 3-pointers and were 31 percent from beyond the arc.

The Lady Raiders were ahead 7-6 in the early going when they broke out for a 16-4 run and led by double digits the rest of the game. Lindenwood, which scored seven points in the second quarter, was scoreless in the final 3 minutes of the first half. During that time, Three Rivers poured in another nine points to go ahead by 31 at the break. Three Rivers led by as much as 51 in the fourth quarter.

Scott Borkgren - Daily American Republic