Golden Rams Survive Slow Start to Beat Riverland 74-52

Golden Rams Survive Slow Start to Beat Riverland 74-52

The Anoka-Ramsey Women's Basketball team started slow in their first MCAC Southern Division game, but overcame their early struggles to beat Riverland 74-52 on Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Rams trailed 18-15 after the first quarter, and 35-30 at halftime, to a Riverland team that entered the game with two wins on the season.

The Blue Devils knocked down 5 of 11 three point attempts in the first half while the Golden Rams hit just 12 of 43 total shots in the first 20 minutes.

But the Golden Rams responded in the third quarter.  With the game tied 39-39 with 4:34 to play in the third, Anoka-Ramsey went on a 12-4 run highlighted by four Ariana Owens free throws to start the run, and punctuated by a Charo Nickens layup just before the third quarter buzzer.

Abby Howe started the fourth with a layup, followed by a Hailey Babcock three as the lead grew to 13 points.

After a Riverland basket, Piper Flemming hit from deep, and Nickens added two more layups as Anoka-Ramsey led 63-45.  Riverland was unable to threaten the rest of the way.

Anoka-Ramsey shot just 34.1 percent overall but attempted 32 more shots than Riverland thanks to 21 offensive rebounds and forcing 30 Blue Devil turnovers.

Flemming scored 14 points knocking down 4 of 5 three point attempts.

Raiyne Adams scored 14 as well to go with six steals.

Nickens finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Howe chipped in with 11 points.

Anoka-Ramsey improves to 10-5 overall, 1-0 in the MCAC Southern Division.  The Golden Rams will travel to Ridgewater on Wednesday, January 15 for a 5:30pm start.