Despite a slow start, Jennies basketball defeated the Central Oklahoma Bronchos 64-58 at home Thursday. They remain undefeated in the MIAA and have won 15 straight.
Both teams struggled in the shooting department. Following a first quarter at 50 percent, the Jennies failed to shoot better than 40 percent the rest of the game. On the other side, Central Oklahoma managed to shoot 50 percent through the first two frames but fell off down the stretch, making only nine shots the rest of the game.
The Jennies fell behind early 11-2, but went on a 10-0 run to take the lead. Paige Redmond scored seven consecutive points and the Jennies lead 22-16 at the end of the first quarter. The Bronchos opened the second quarter with two straight 3-pointers to tie the game. The Jennies struggled in the second quarter shooting 4-17 and trailed the Bronchos 35-34 at halftime.
The fourth quarter began with a 48-48 tie, but the Jennies went on an 8-0 run bringing the score to 56-48. Morgan Fleming made big shots to keep the Jennies ahead and contributed 21 points total. The Bronchos got back within two, but Fleming and Kayonna Lee made shots and grabbed rebounds to secure the victory.
Lee would finish with 11 points and 12 rebounds, six of those coming on the offensive side. Redmond scored 15 with the bulk of her contribution coming in the first half. The Bronchos offense ran through Melinda Murillo who scored 21 points on 8-20 shooting but went cold in the final quarter as her team tried to mount a comeback.
The Jennies are back in action Feb. 3 when the Northeastern State Riverhawks come to Warrensburg. The Riverhawks are 9-10 on the season and 5-7 in MIAA. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Multipurpose Building.