The William Jewell women's basketball team opened their southern winter break trip with a 73-61 win over the hosts Florida Tech on Thursday afternoon in Melbourne, Florida. The win moves the Cardinals to 5-3 on the season.

How it Happened

• Jewell started fast, jumping out to an early 8-3 lead but the Panthers went on a 7-0 run to take the lead right back at 10-8. The Cardinals closed the quarter on a 13-5 run, holding Florida Tech scoreless over the final 2:24, to hold a 21-15 advantage. 
• The Cardinals grew the lead to 15 midway through the second quarter after a bucket from Lea Finn after a steal and assist by Ainsley Tolson. The Panthers were again held scoreless for better than two minutes but a three by Sydney Offield just before the break, put Jewell on top by 15 at the half. 
• The Cardinals dominated the third quarter, outscoring Florida Tech 21-14, and grew the lead to as big as 22 behind seven points from Tolson in the frame.
• Florida Tech put together a rally in the final quarter, scoring 27 points, pulling within six with 62 seconds on the clock. The Cardinals connected on all six free throws down the stretch to preserve the win and push the final back to double-digits. 

For the Cardinals

• Kiara Bradley posted a double-double with 24 points, including 17 in the first half, to go along with a career-high 14 rebounds.
• Offield added 15 points and six rebounds while Tolson chipped in 10 and four assists.
• The Cardinals outscored Florida Tech 14-5 in the second quarter to pull away. 

For the Panthers

• Severine Uggen led Florida Tech with 16 points, including four three pointers, while Amanda Allen added 11 points and six steals. 
• The Panthers bench outscored the Cardinals 31-19.

Up Next 
The Cardinals wrap up the Florida Tech Holiday Classic on Friday afternoon as they take on Tampa at 2 p.m. EST.