Box Score St. Louis, Mo., December 4, 2021 – The Washington University in St. Louis women's basketball team used a big second half push to defeat Berea College 81-63 at the 20th Annual McWilliams Classic on Saturday at the Field House.
The Bears outscored Berea 44-28 in the second half and win their third straight game, as they improve to 3-4 on the year. In addition, WashU has won its past five games at the McWilliams classic.
Maya Arnott was chosen as the Jacqueline Schapp MVP winner, while both Arnott and Samantha Weaver were picked to the All-Tournament Team of the McWilliams Classic.
Both teams shot the ball well in the opening period, combining for 44 points. Shooting 64 percent from the field, the Bears offense had little trouble scoring, but Berea held a 23-21 edge.
In the second quarter, WashU's defense stepped up and limited BC to just 4-13 shooting, as the Bears took the lead at 37-35 after Brenna Loftus drained a jumper as time expired heading into the locker room.
A 14-4 run to start the second half surged the Bears in front by 13 at 52-39. The Bears shot 60 percent from the floor in the quarter and held the Mountaineers to 26 percent on 5-19 shooting attempts.
The Bears' defense made it difficult for Berea to score as they finished the game with a season-high seven blocked shots.
After Berea cut the lead down to six at 57-51, WashU went on 13-6 run to extend its lead back out to double digits at 70-58 with seven minutes left to play.
WashU ended the game on a 10-0 run and held Berea scoreless for the final 4:51 of the contest.
As a team, the Bears shot 50 percent from the field and scored 42 points inside the paint. WashU also totaled 17 fastbreak points in the victory.
Five Bears scored in double figures as Maya Arnott had another huge game with 22 points on 10-11 shooting. The junior also posted eight rebounds with an assist, a steal and a block.
Arnott has scored in double figures in six of WashU' seven games.
Samantha Weaver collected her first double-double of the year with 14 points and a team-high 12 rebounds.
Molly Gannon scored a season-high 17 points on 6-13 shooting and dished out a team-high five assists.
Brenna Loftus added 13 points, matching her season-high mark achieved earlier this season at Illinois Wesleyan.
Naomi Jackson compiled 10 points, marking her first game this season reaching double figures scoring.
WashU will stay at home for their next contest as they matchup against Fontbonne on Wednesday, December 8 at 6:00 p.m.
