COON RAPIDS, MINN. - The worst start to a Madison College women's basketball season in nearly two decades came to a close with a win in the finale of the Anoka-Ramsey Community College Tournament over the weekend. The WolfPack dropped the tournament opener to the host Golden Rams on Friday by an 89-52 final to fall to 0-3 for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, but ended the losing streak with a 68-44 victory over St. Cloud Technical College (MN) on Saturday.

Game #1: Anoka-Ramsey Community College 89, Madison College 52

A poor start put Madison College in too big of a hole to climb out of in suffering their third consecutive loss to open the season. Host Anoka-Ramsey (1-0) opened a 25-9 lead thanks to a 16-0 run in the first quarter and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the game. The Golden Rams went on to win each quarter and shot 43.8% (35-80) overall with 11 three-pointers, compared to a 37% (17-46) performance from the floor for the 'Pack. Madison College hurt themselves with a season-worst 36 turnovers.

Freshman Aniah Williams tallied a team-leading 14 points on 3 of 10 shooting with one 3-pointer and 7 of 14 free throws. The Beloit, Wisconsin, native also had six rebounds, one steal, and nine turnovers before fouling out. Sophomore Caitlyn Gilbertson pitched in with a dozen points, going 4 for 8 from the floor and 4 for 6 at the stripe. The former Belmont HS athlete also racked up five rebounds. First year forward Jayla Connor led clean up work on the glass with a career-best ten boards, but narrowly missed a first career double-double with nine points on 4 of 7 shooting and a free throw. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Connor produced a team-leading four assists, three blocks, and two steals.

The Golden Rams owned a 46-17 edge in points off turnovers, a 46-22 lead in points in the paint, and a 16-10 advantage in second chance scoring. The loss snaps a three-game win streak against ARCC, which now boasts an 8-5 lead in the all-time series.

Game #2: Madison College 68, St. Cloud Technical College (MN) 44

Madison College put their tough start to the season to an end with a convincing 24-point win over the Cyclones that saw the WolfPack outscore the opposition 42-20 in the second half to pull away. The 'Pack lead by as much as seven points on four different occasions in the first half before settling for a 26-24 differential at the half. The second half saw Madison College limit St. Cloud Tech (0-2) to 9 of 29 shooting overall and forced 14 of their 25 total turnovers. The turnover differential led to a 22-8 edge in points off turnovers.

The WolfPack finished 27 for 80 (33.8%) with six 3-pointers and a nearly perfect 8 of 10 at the free throw line, while posting their first double-digit assist total of the season with 18. Madison controlled the interior with a 34-24 lead in points in the paint, a 16-11 advantage in second chance points, and were plus-ten in total rebounds. 

First year forward Evonne Strahm established a new career-high with 23 points, converting 10 of 22 field goal attempts and all three of her free throw tries. The New Glarus, Wisconsin, native also recorded her second double-double of the season with 12 rebounds, denied three SCTCC shots, and picked up three steals.

Aniah Williams dropped in three triples as part of a 7 for 17 shooting day. The 5'8" guard dished out a season-high out eight assists, the most by any player in a single game this season, collected five boards, and created three steals. Sophomore Tianna Sackett chased down a career-high 13 rebounds, to go along with eight points, two assists, and two steals. All seven WolfPack players that saw action in the game were able to make an entry into the scoring column.

The 'Pack is now 2-1 all-time against the Cyclones.

Up Next:

After playing four straight games away from home to open the season, Madison College (1-3) will now open a four-game homestand starting Wednesday, November 14 against NJCAA Division I Sauk Valley Community College (0-2). The WolfPack have won three-straight over the Skyhawks, who own a 19-13 advantage in the head-to-head series. Tip off at H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium is set for 5:30 p.m.

All home Madison College women's basketball games can be streamed live at MadisonCollege.tv.

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