Pride defeat 8th-ranked Central Methodist 101-74

DUBUQUE, Iowa – In a conference matchup that saw two top ten-ranked teams in the country, the fourth-ranked Clarke University women's basketball team defeated the No. eight-team, Central Methodist University by a score of 101-74 Wednesday evening at the Kehl Center.

Keeping their foot on the gas pedal from the opening tip, the Pride jumped out to a quick 11-0 lead and never looked back as Nicole McDermott scored 14 of the Pride's 31 points in the first quarter on 5-6 (83.3%) shooting, foreshadowing her effort the rest of the way.

The 31 first-quarter points are the most the Pride have scored in a quarter this season, overtaking their 27-point second quarter in the season-opener at St. Ambrose University.

Scoring at least 20 points in all four quarters, the Pride built their lead to as much as 28 points late in the fourth quarter where they finished the night shooting 34-59 (57.6%) from the floor and couldn't miss from deep shooting 11-18 (61.1%).

The hot shooting throughout the game led to the Pride reaching 100 or more points for the first time since Nov. 13th, 2021, ending in a 114-93 Pride victory.

The current Heart Conference Player of the Week, McDermott scored her third double-double in four games as she compiled 31 points on 9-13 (69.2%) shooting, 16 rebounds, and six assists. Taylor Haase played 25 minutes going an efficient 9-10 (90%) from the floor, scoring 23 points, and grabbing seven rebounds. Mya Merschman scored 21 points on 8-14 (57.1%) shootings as the trio combined to score 75 of the 101 total points on the evening.

On the other side of the ball, Clarke's defense allowed under 20 points in three quarters, as the Eagles shot 31-75 (41.3%) from the field and 4-12 (33.3%) from three.

Zutorya Cook and B'Aunce Carter were the offensive leaders for the Eagles, scoring 18 points apiece.

The Pride will look to stay undefeated when they play at Benedictine College this Saturday, Nov. 18th beginning at 12:00 p.m. CT.