Allen Community College’s girls basketball team struggled offensively in their first game back at home since break, losing 76-45 Wednesday night to Cowley.
The Tigers’ fullcourt pressure didn’t help matters, but the Red Devils weren’t ready to play, according to coach Katie Mahoney.
“Mentally, we just weren’t hooked up,” Mahoney said. “That caused turnovers. The game before we handled the press fine. But, today we weren’t ready, so there were turnovers and we took bad shots. They took good shots.”
Allen had 19 turnovers and shot 17-62 for a 27.4 shooting percentage. Cowley turned the ball over only 10 times and shot 32-71 for a 45.1 shooting percentage.
There wasn’t a dramatic difference in the teams’ respective rebound totals despite the score. Allen had 40 rebounds — 13 offensive and 27 defensive — and Cowley totaled 48 — 14 offensive and 34 defensive.
“Our shot selection wasn’t great, we didn’t get a lot of good shots,” Mahoney said. “We gave them a lot of open shots in transition and open layups. That was the big difference.”
Ashley Washington kept the Red Devils in the game early, hitting two 3-pointers for consecutive scoring possessions. The problem was the baskets were three minutes apart while Cowley kept scoring at a consistent pace. With 12:45 left in the first half, Allen trailed 15-8.
Rachael Bruce kept gave the Red Devils a little hope, scoring underneath after a defensive stop. The Red Devils were down 15-10 with 12:10 left. But, that’s the closest the game would get.
Cowley attacked with a 13-0 run to take full control of the game and a 28-10 lead. Later in the half, as time was winding down, Haley Wilson connected on a 3-pointer — she scored 30 points in Allen’s win against Neosho on Saturday. At that point, the Tigers led 43-23 going to the break.
In the second half, Cowley outscored the Red Devils 33-22. One of the more notable plays came with 7:05 remaining in the game. Daniela Azubell drove the lane, forcing a double team on her and leaving Haley Comstock open under the hoop. Azubell flipped her the ball for an easy layup. The Tigers still led 67-35.
Allen finished the game strong on an 8-0 run. Danielle McElroy made a free throw to start it off. Ashley Sally had two drives through the lane and Wilson hit her second 3-pointer of the night.
Washington led the Red Devils with nine points, scoring all of them from beyond the arc — she shot 3-8 behind the 3-point line. Sally and Azubell each scored eight points in the loss. Leading the way on the boards was Bruce with eight, while she also added four points.
Allen (5-14) hosts Labette at home next Wednesday.
Cowley pressure hinders lady Red Devils
