ALBION – You couldn't pick a better game for Daniah Beavers to have a career night.
With a game-high 17 points, the sophomore led the Albion College women's basketball team to a 67-65 win over Calvin University on Wednesday evening. Adding 13 rebounds, Beavers collected her first career double-double, setting career-bests in points and boards.
Reaching double figures for the fifth time this season, Becca Ross tacked on 14 points.
Off to a fast start, the Britons led 21-10 after the first quarter. Albion opened the game on an 8-0 run, aided by a pair of baskets from Lolo Reed. Late in the period, a putback from Beavers sealed the scoring as the hosts made their presence known.
Ross found Cierra Cole for a triple to open the second quarter. In addition to her seven points, the senior dished out a game-high five assists in addition to her seven points and two blocks – standing at just 5'2".
Albion led by as many as 21 in the second quarter. Junior Elena Welker capitalized on a big and-one midway through the period, sparking a small run. Three straight points from the Knights to close out the half still saw the Britons leading by 18 at the half.
The Britons would maintain a substantial lead in the third, holding a 56-41 edge heading into the fourth quarter.
Calvin nearly saw a comeback for the ages in the fourth. After a Welker bucker, the Knights rattled off a 15-4 run, cutting Albion's lead to six. The hot-shooting of Sydney Clears brought Calvin within striking distance, as Clears seemed automatic from three.
With 2:21 on the clock, a jumper from the Knights brought them to within one. After holding Albion to a stop, Reed got her hands on a jump ball that would go as a Calvin turnover. The Britons got a stop at the end and a big board from Beavers. With eight seconds to play, Beavers snatched an offensive board and was fouled on the putback. The sophomore sank one of two attempts, giving Albion a 67-65 lead.
Despite calling timeout and advancing the ball, Calvin could not get a decent look to tie or win the game.
Dareonna Little totaled seven rebounds for the Brits.
Behind the effort on the glass from Beavers, Albion scored 16 second chance points. The Britons also won the battle of the boards, 41-31.
With 17 points from Beavers, Albion's bench outscored Calvin, 25-5.
Albion improves to 12-2 overall, 5-0 in the conference.
Having the conference bye this weekend, Albion will be back in action on Jan. 12 at Kalamazoo. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
