BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — It wasn’t the prettiest of victories, but Allen Community College women’s coach Mark James has learned long ago not to apologize for winning, especially on the road.
The 66-60 victory over Rhema College made it a joyous homecoming for five Red Devil players who hail from nearby Tulsa.
It was especially sweet for two Tulsa natives, DaNara Day and Leslie Ware, who shared high-scoring honors for the Red Devils with 17 points apiece.
“There’s no question we won this game on the defensive end of the floor,” James said, pointing to Rhema’s 19-point scoring output after intermission. “The Lady Eagles gave us all we could handle for 40 minutes.”
Allen trailed 41-37 at the break before outscoring Rhema by 10, 29-19, in the second half.
Two other keys were rebounding and ball control. The Red Devils outrebounded Rhema 54 to 46 while turning the ball over only eight times.
Ware accentuated her 17 points with 14 rebounds, marking her first-ever double-double in a Red Devil uniform. She also had four assists and three steals.
Hannah Blackwell chipped in with 10 rebounds, while Brittney Redmond added nine points.
Ebonie Jones led Allen with four steals, while Miracle Davis added three swipes.
Both teams struggled on offense.
Allen shot a cool 33 percent from the field, and only 19 percent (5 of 27) from 3-point range and hit only 9 of 16 free throws. Rhema shot at a 38-percent clip, while hitting only 12 of 20 free throws.
The Red Devils don’t have much time to bask in the glow of victory.
They are home tonight to take on North Central Missouri, a squad Allen defeated 73-70 on the road Nov. 3.
Allen (37-29—66)
Rhema (41-19—60)
Allen (FG/3pt-FT-F-TP): Jones 1/1-0-3-5, Davis 1-0-4-2, Morton 1-0-0-2, Day 5/2-1-4-17, Redmond 3/1-0-2-9, Peel 0/1-0-0-3, Ware 6-5-3-17, Seward 1-3-0-5, Blackwell 0-0-2-0, Hall 3-0-0-6. TOTALS: 21/5-0-19-66.
Homecoming sweet for ACC
