Sports
Rio Grande Clinches Playoff Berth In Disappointing Fashion
By: Patrick Gifford
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The RedStorm have punched their ticket to the Mid-South Conference Tournament. They did so, however, on a night in which they fell 110-80 at the hands of Lindsey Wilson.
Entering Thursday night, Rio Grande (18-11, 7-10 MSC) women’s basketball could have clinched a postseason berth in one of two ways. The RedStorm could have earned a postseason spot with either a victory over Lindsey Wilson (19-10, 9-8) or a loss by Cumberland University. Only the latter happened.
Cumberland University fell to Shawnee State, 77-74, putting the RedStorm in the postseason. While a berth has been Rio Grande’s goal since the beginning of the season, the RedStorm cannot be pleased with their play tonight. A 30-point loss to a team that is seeded just one slot ahead of Rio is a discouraging way to end the month of February.
Rio Grande was outlasted by a Lindsey Wilson team that shot a staggering 57 percent from the floor. The Blue Raiders also shot an even better 59 percent from behind the arc, connecting on 10 of their 17 3-point tries. Those impressive shooting numbers saw six Blue Raiders score in double digits. Senior guard Tara Arnold led the way with 25 points and also added seven rebounds. 110 is the most Rio Grande has allowed all season.
Sophomore forward Sarah Bonar led the way for the RedStorm, finishing with a team-high 17 points.
The Rio Grande RedStorm will end the regular season when they travel to Cumberland University to take on the Bulldogs.