WAVERLY, Iowa— A hot offensive start led the No. 19/25 Wartburg Knights women's basketball squad to a 74-48 victory over the Dutch of Central College. The Knights defense held the Dutch to their third lowest points scored this season.
 
The Knights hit a trio of three-pointers in the opening two minutes, taking an early 11-2 lead. Both teams would be quiet with multiple scoring droughts for each side throughout the first quarter. Macy Harris answered a Dutch three-pointer with a layup as Jaedon Murphy and Hannah Anderson hit a pair a three-pointers within 20 seconds of each other to close the first quarter.
 
After hitting five first quarter three-pointers, the Orange & Black saw their first second points come from the free throw line. A 14-2 run, including a three-pointer from Zoey Long, saw the Knights take a 35-15 lead at the 4:49 mark. The Knights continued to show a strong defense, allowing eight points by the Dutch in the final four minutes.
 
Starting the third quarter, the Knights were outscored 8-4 in before Long hit a three-pointer off a steal from Sara Faber. Faber was a force to be reckoned with, having a hand in five of the next seven points for the Knights. Holding the Dutch scoreless for the final 3:02 of the quarter, the Orange & Black took an 18-point advantage with one quarter remaining.
 
Cruise control was set as the Knights made a pair of layups with a comfortable lead. Tatum Grubbs and Lauren Woeste got in on the scoring action, as an old-fashioned three-point play by Woeste saw the Knights take a 25-point lead with 2:11 remaining. Gabby Schwarting hit a free throw for the final point of the game as the Knights held the Dutch scoreless for 4:09.
 
With the win, the Knights improve to 17-4 overall, 10-3 A-R-C. The Dutch fall to 5-12 overall and 3-8 in the A-R-C.
 
Checking out the Numbers
 
The Knights went 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from behind the arc, including ten made three-pointers. The Knights missed five free throw attempts, going 10-of-15 at the line. The Orange & Black's bench collected 25 points off turnovers as the bench contributed 36 points in the game. With 18 offensive rebounds, the Knights scored 16 second-chance points.
 
Forcing 24 turnovers by the Dutch, the Knights collected 25 points off turnovers. The Knights defense held the Dutch to 30 percent from the field and 21 percent from behind the arc. The Dutch did not make a trip to the free throw line but would go 5-of-6 from the line.
 
Four Knights found their sports in double-digits, as Harris led the way with 14 points (6-of-12 FG, 2-of-2 FT). Faber went 4-of-4 from the free throw line and 4-7 from the field for 13 points. Hannah Anderson (4-of-8 FG, 3-of-6 3-point) added 11 points, while Jaedon Murphy scored 10 points.
 
Murphy led the team in rebounds with 7 as the Knights grab 50 rebounds in the contest. The Knights had 13 assists to 13 turnovers and 17 steals in the contest.
 
Knights in the Poll
 
The Knights sit at No. 19, holding steady from last week, in the D3hoops.com poll.
 
The Knights dropped in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association poll, falling to No. 25.
 
Next Time Out
 
Hitting the road for a Saturday matinee game, the Knights travel to Storm Lake on February 12. The Beavers of Buena Vista and Knights are set for a 2 p.m. tip-off.
 
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