Sports
RedStorm Look To Advance To 3-0
By: Megan Plain
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Rio Grande has started the 2013-14 season strong, improving to a 2-0 record. Its offense has been on fire and the final score has been past the 100 mark in the RedStorm’s first two games.
Tuesday, Nov. 13, Rio will return to Newt Oliver Arena to face the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars. If Rio can keep up its offensive strength, it will have a good shot at winning this game. The RedStorm have been solid in creating scoring chances and sinking free throws, with fouls being the only major obstacle in its way.
Last season’s game against Mount Vernon Nazarene University resulted in a 75-59 win for the RedStorm. The Cougars will face Rio with a 1-2 record, after coming off a close 85-70 loss.
The RedStorm average 120 points per game, while its opponents only average 82. At this point in the season Rio leads the nation in points per game, and a field goal percentage of 56.4 percent.
In Rio’s last game against Miami-Middletown, it dominated the Thunderhawks with a final of 127-67, setting the school record for most points scored in one game. This season, the RedStorm have been able to hold the lead throughout each game, preventing the opposing teams from gaining a leg up.
Multiple players have proved their worth as well at this point in the season.
Sophomore forward Sarah Bonar averages 26.5 points per game, putting her at third in the country. She was also given the title Mid-South Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the first week of the season. Bonar is the third Rio player to ever receive this award.
Junior guard Brianna Thomas averages 6.5 assists per game, good for fifth in the NAIA.
Many freshman have stepped up to the plate in previous games, proving that the entire roster is a force to be reckoned with. Against Miami-Middletown, Kaylyn Gambill led the team in points scored at 26 on the night, and also broke the record for most 3-pointers in a game, with eight on the night. Other freshmen, like forwards Brooke Marcum and Audra Clark, were able to add on to the score throughout the game.
Tuesday’s game is set to tip off at 6 p.m.