After four straight, easy wins to open the season, the Three Rivers College women's basketball team had to answer its first challenge of the campaign.

The Lady Raiders wrapped up a 2-game swing to Vincennes University (Indiana) and using a strong second half, pulled away from their hosts 70-53.

Three Rivers led 33-27 at halftime against Vincennes (3-3) before using a 24-16 fourth quarter to pull away and remain unbeaten.

Da'Kariya Jackson led all scorers with 24 points as the Lady Raider also added seven rebounds. Niaisya Ervin was the only other player in double figures for Three Rivers which won the rebounding battle 29-21 and forced 22 turnovers while shooting only 36.7 percent as their defense held the Trailblazers to 30 percent themselves.

"They came out and Vincennes got beaten up pretty bad by Moberly (Friday) and they came out and competed and were physical," Three Rivers head coach Alex Wiggs said. "That was the difference: They started off very aggressive and physical. We had to make that adjustment and made sure we matched their physicality and toughness."

Wiggs said the fourth-quarter offensive output was based on Vincennes needing to foul and he was pleased to see his ladies hit their free throws when it mattered.

"We continued to grind it out offensively – they really pressured us and really denied," Wiggs said. "The fourth quarter we were aggressive going to the basket and made the right play instead of trying to force stuff like the first three quarters."

Wiggs said games like this are a welcome event as it only prepares his team for bigger and better competition when the stakes are higher.

"I wish every game was like this," Wiggs said. "That's how you get better, that's how you bond. You grow from these games."

Next up is the Region 16 Classic at Crowder College in Neosho beginning 3 p.m. Friday against State Fair Community College and then wrapping things up 1 p.m. Saturday in a matchup against Mineral Area College.

Alan Dale - Daily American Republic