SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Mount Mary University Blue Angels defeated the Robert Morris University Springfield Eagles by the score of 81-43 at the Lincoln Land Community College Gymnasium. Tonight's victory moves the Blue Angels to 2-7 and keeps the Eagles winless on their 2016-17 campaign.
Although the Eagles (0-10) took the early lead, the Blue Angels continued to apply the defensive pressure and came away with an 18-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. MMU continue to apply the pressure throughout the first half forcing their opposition to shoot 26.3 percent from the field in the first two quarters.
The defensive end continually led to opportunities for the Blue Angels, transferring nine team steals, five from senior Jess Runge (Freedom, Wis.), into one of the most effective halves for the Blue Angels. MMU shot 19-of-24 from the field while also hitting 7-of-12 from the free throw line.
MMU forced the tough shot in the second half while the Eagles hit 10-of-46 from the field in the final 20 minutes. Outscoring their opponents 45-24 in the second half, the Blue Angels came away with their second win of the season and the first win in the all-time series against RMU Springfield.
Jess Runge hit an incredible 10-of-10 from the field, with one three point field goal made on her way to 24 points and seven rebounds. Becky Onan (Jr./Grafton, Wis.) finished the contest with her first double-double of the season as she led the offense with 26 points and 13 rebounds.
Blue Angels Rae Grubbs (Fr./Covington, Ind.) and Ariel Oviedo (Sr./Shawano, Wis.) each chipped in 11 points for offense as the team finished with a 60.7 field goal percentage on the night.
"Jess played really well. I wouldn't say that she played out of her mind though," Mount Mary Head Basketball Coach Marc Heidorf commented. "Maybe not 100 percent field goal, but she is such a good, balanced shooter, I really think she could be capable of more 15-20 point performances if she wanted."
"Good win and one that we think can be the start of a great 2nd half of the season."
After tonight's win the Blue Angels will have a few days off to rest and prepare for Silver Lake College. Mount Mary will take on the Lakers next Fri. Jan. 13 at the Bloechl Center. Coverage begins at 6:00 pm with live stats and live video streaming accompanied with play-by-play commentary from the Mount Mary University Sports Network.
