Shorthanded Lady Bearcats Have No Issues With Pioneers In 2023-24 Debut

PARAGOULD, Ark. – The Rust College women's basketball program came into the night down a trio of starters and five student-athletes in total but did not skip a beat, rolling up a 34-spot in the first quarter to stake a commanding 24-point edge before coasting to a 103-52 victory over CRC.

The Basics:

• Score
  • #23 Rust – 103
  • Crowley's Ridge – 52

• Records
  • #23 Rust (1-0, 0-0 Gulf Coast)
  • Crowley's Ridge (2-1, 0-0 Continental)

• Location
  • Paragould, Arkansas – Carter Activities Center

• Series History (Since 2017-18)
  • Rust Leads 8-0 (100%)

• Winning Streak (Since 2017-18)
  • Rust (W8) | Crowley's Ridge's Last Win: N/A

Rust Top Performers:

• Diamond Sweats nearly scored a point per minute on her way to being the contest's top scorer, posting 19 points in 22 minutes including a half-dozen rebounds and a 75% field-goal percentage (9-of-12).

• Blesseth Dillingham was the night's most decorated rebounder and assister, hauling in nine of the former as well as six of the latter with seven points and two steals sprinkled in.

• Dekeriya Patterson was behind only Sweats in scoring, putting together 14 points while Zoe Alexander logged a contest-high three steals in addition to five assists and seven points on the board.

• A trio of returners; Shuntorri Rodgers (13), Amelya Hatch (12), and Ahmari Young (10); combined to tally 35 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and four steals, proving their veteran presence on a team primarily composed of transfers.

• Three of the team's four blocks (75%) all came in a 13-minute span via the 6-foot-6 Hinds Community College transfer, Nyekuar Quik, as the Tacoma, Washington native also corralled a quartet of boards as well.

Notes:

• All 11 players that dressed for the game scored at least two points and grabbed three-plus rebounds with no one student-athlete playing more than 22 minutes or less than 13, showcasing the incredible depth that have been the calling card for Coach Jackson during his tenure.

Next:

• The ladies in Blue and White will welcome ABC for the annual Dr. Ishmell Edwards Classic on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. where the members of last season's GCAC Championship squad will receive their rings.

#RustLaFamilia | #TheDynasty