Try as they might, Allen Community College’s women could not seem to put away visiting Highland Saturday.
The Red Devils blitzed their way to an early 13-6 lead, and frequently threatened to extend their margin to double digits, only to see Highland respond with annoying frequency.
That changed during a crucial sequence early in the fourth quarter.
Allen led by eight, but had just turned the ball over on a sloppy pass in the lane, when Red Devil reserve guard Mafala Chambel stripped a Highland ball-carrier at midcourt. She streaked upcourt for the layup to extend ACC’s lead to 64-54.
Another empty Highland possession led to Allen’s Noa Muranaka layup to make the margin 12. Then, after another Scotties turnover, Chambel put the capper on Allen’s 7-0 run with a 3-pointer from the top of the key.
Suddenly, ACC’s lead was at 69-54 with 4 minutes left.
Highland never threatened again in Allen’s 76-51 victory.
The victory puts the Red Devils at 15-4 overall and 3-2 in conference play. Allen will not play on Wednesday night because visiting Fort Scott Community College canceled its women’s basketball season late in the fall. The Red Devils will return to the court Saturday at Labette.
“I don’t like the layoff,” Allen head coach Leslie Crane said. “We tried to get somebody in (for Wednesday) but it was too late.”
Crane said Allen’s ability to withstand Highland’s frenetic style of play was key.
“No lead is big enough against a team like this because they can score inside, they can hit the 3 and they’re quick,” Crane said. “We got the ball, calmed down and ran our offense.”
Allen’s Noa Muranaka was involved in much of it. She hit a trio of 3-pointers late in the half to keep Allen in front, even though Highland was shooting (unofficially) at a 56% clip before intermission.
Chambel added 14 points and Abigail Alvarez came off the bench to score eight.
Allen led 18-11 after one quarter and 36-25 at the break.
Highland’s Sha’Coria Hill kept things interesting, scoring 21 for the Scotties. Cameron McNamara added 12 points inside before fouling out.
Sara Ortiz pulled in nine rebounds, another key factor, as Allen out-rebounded the Scotties, 31 to 21, Crane said.
