Big First Half, Otzelberger Lift St. Norbert Past Illinois College

From Sports Information Director, January 22, 2010 | Women's Basketball
by Dan Lukes, dan.lukes@snc.edu, (920) 403-4077

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - St. Norbert College jumped out to a 39-19 halftime lead en route to a sound 74-52 win over Illinois College in a Midwest Conference game at Sherman Gym.

The Green Knights improved to 10-3 overall and 5-2 in the MWC, while the Lady Blues dropped to 9-5, 4-3.

St. Norbert led 19-17 with 8 minutes 10 seconds left in the first half before going on a 20-2 run to close out the first half. The Green Knights scored baskets on three straight possessions, getting layups from Stefanie Bunday, Amy Brunner and Emily Otzelberger for a 25-17 lead. Otzelberger would scored six more points during the run, while Rachel Hermus hit two 3-pointers and a basket for a 39-19 halftime lead.

Otzelberger had career scoring and rebounding highs, netting 24 points with 13 rebounds. Otzelberger shot 9 of 10 from the floor and was 6-for-8 at the free-throw line. Krista Pelky had 15 points, while Denise Heuser added 12 points and Hermus 10. St. Norbert shot 52 percent from the floor, making 26 of 50 shots. The Green Knights also held a 36-28 rebounding advantage.

Candy Norville was the only Illinois College player to score in double figures with 20 points. The Lady Blues were 21-for-55 (38.2 percent) from the floor.