Kelchen's double-double powers Pride to 68-61 win over Missouri Valley

MARSHALL, Mo. - Heading into the weekend looking to stay undefeated in Heart of America Conference play, the Clarke University women's basketball team was able to pull off a 68-61 win over Missouri Valley College on Saturday afternoon on the road.

The Pride led the entire way with MVC putting out a strong third quarter to cut the Clarke lead to a six-point game entering the final period at 46-40. CU built up their first half lead with strong defense, holding the Vikings to just nine points in the first quarter and 14 points in the second as Clarke led 36-23 after 20 minutes.

"We made big plays when we needed them and that's what carried us through," head coach Courtney Boyd said. "Missouri Valley is a young and hungry team and we battled through to get this win."

Clarke had four double digit scorers compared to just two for the Vikings as Emma Kelchen led the way for CU with a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double. She went 8-of-14 (57.1%) from the field while hitting her only three-point attempt and never going to the free throw line.

Kelchen was backed up by 12 points from Tina Ubl, 11 points from Giana Michels, and 10 points from Nicole McDermott as all three had five or more rebounds in the game. Rounding out the starting lineup was Skylar Culbertson as she finished with three points, five assists, and four rebounds on 1-of-2 (50%) shooting from the field.

Assists were a big part of the Pride's game again as they had 18 assists on 26 made baskets from the field, including every starter outside of Kelchen having multiple helpers.

For Missouri Valley, Giavanna Moore finished with a game-high 18 points on 6-of-17 (35.3%) shooting from the field and 3-of-6 (50%) from beyond the three-point line. Ana Arroyo added 12 points and six rebounds and Brecon Antrillo finished a point shy of a double-double with nine points, 10 rebounds, and adding six assists.

Up next for Clarke will be a return to Dubuque for two-straight games at the Kehl Center starting when they host Graceland on Wednesday, Jan. 19 for their second meeting with the Yellowjackets of the season.