Zone defense shuts down Columbia College women's basketball in loss

With the Columbia College women’s basketball team leading 13-11 early in the first half, McKendree switched to 2-3 zone defense.

The Cougars never responded.

Columbia College only managed to score eight more points in the half, while connecting on just 24 percent of their first-half shots. McKendree took advantage of the Cougars’ offensive woes, building an 18-point halftime lead on their way to a 78-58 win.

The zone particularly affected Columbia College’s shooting from the outside. The Cougars shot 2-for-25 from beyond the three-point arc in the game.

“We didn’t hit anything,” Columbia College head coach Mike Davis said. “We have three guards in the starting lineup and all three of them really had tough days.”

While McKendree’s zone defense forced 23 turnovers, its guards played well against Columbia College’s pressure defense.

“We were pressing and double teaming,” Columbia College head coach Mike Davis said. “Their guards did a very good job of handling our pressure.”

On Tuesday, Columbia College beat Hannibal-LaGrange despite 34percent shooting thanks to forcing 18 first-half turnovers. McKendree committed just 17 turnovers in last night’s game.

One of the few positives for the Cougars was sophomore forward Rachel Oswald, who had 23 points and 14 rebounds.

With the win, McKendree improved their conference record to 5-1 and captured sole possession of second place in the American Midwest Conference.

Columbia College is now 4-2 in the conference, and 9-12 overall. The Cougars’ next game is Tuesday at 7 p.m. at William Woods University.