Women's basketball can't contain NAIA's top-scoring offense in loss at Rio

RIO GRANDE, Ohio - Midway kept things tight for two-and-a-half quarters, but eventually the nation's top scoring offense was too much to handle, as 14th-ranked Rio Grande pulled away for a 103-66 win over the Eagles in River States Conference women's basketball action Tuesday night.

Against a team averaging an NAIA-best 101.4 points per game coming in, the Eagles came out swinging behind Sereniti Webb, who barreled into the paint for layups on Midway's first two possessions.

Webb started the game 5-of-5 shooting and accounted for Midway's first 10 points. She scored 18 of her team-high 19 in the first half and also led all players with seven rebounds.

The fast start carried into the second quarter, with the Eagles even holding a 41-35 lead when Jermyra Christian, who finished with 13 points, hit a jump shot with 2:27 to play in the first half.

Rio Grande proceeded to go on an 8-0 run to take a 43-41 lead at the half, but the Eagles managed to keep things close for awhile, trailing just 51-48 four minutes into the third quarter. But things turned swiftly and permanently, as a Reagan Willingham 3-pointer began a 16-1 run over the ensuing 4:01.

In that stretch, Midway had as many turnovers (five) as field goal attempts.

The Red Storm's ability to turn takeaways into scoring opportunities was the catalyst for another dominant win, as nearly half their points (50) came off of 27 Eagle turnovers. Oddly enough, Tuesday's output was actually Rio Grande's lowest scoring total in its seven RSC games.

Having proven to be Midway's most improved player in recent weeks, Trinity Johnson had another strong performance off the bench, cracking double-figures for the first time this season with 11 points. Jaiden Douthit added eight points, six rebounds and five assists for 7-10 Midway, which is now 3-4 in the River States Conference.

The Eagles hope to rebound on Saturday when they host Ohio Christian (11-4, 3-2) at 1 p.m.

Follow Midway Eagles Athletics