TIFFIN -- The Heidelberg University women's basketball team stole their way to a 93-78 win over Muskingum University on Saturday afternoon. In the win, the team registered a combined 23 steals, led by
Alli Adelsperger's record-tying 10. Of Muskingum's 25 turnovers, all but two were courtesy of Heidelberg steals.
Brooke Beamer led the team in scoring with a new career-high of 31 points while
Alli Adelsperger (17),
Brittanie Ulmer (16) and
Maddy Crawford (13) also reached double figures.
Adelsperger's 17 points and 10 steals showing was the junior's first double-double of her career. Her 10 steals ties the program record set in 2013 by Kathleen Phillips.
Crawford also led all players with 12 rebounds. Her double-double marked the 10th of the year, 34th of her career and third against Muskingum.
Beamer also led the game with six assists.
The first quarter exhibited an abundance of shooting as both teams shot above 53% from the floor. Muskingum held a slight advantage with four successful 3-pointers, while Heidelberg converted eight free throws.
Brooke Beamer got off to a hot start to the game, scoring 11 points in the first 10 minutes on 4-of-5 shooting.
In the second quarter, garnered the lead for the first time in the game, and even built an eight-point lead with 1:48 remaining in the half.
Maddy Crawford scooped in a layup off a feed from Beamer to put the team ahead 42-34. A three-point-play from Emily Yeager brought the visitors to within five at the halftime break.
In the third quarter, Heidelberg begin to stave off Muskingum's offense. With 3:41 left in the period, Heidelberg held their largest lead of the game thus far at 60-46. Much like in the second quarter, the lead was established on a jumper, via the Crawford-Beamer connection. The bucket put Crawford into double figures in scoring, checking the box for her double-double.
In the fourth, Heidelberg distanced themselves, blitzing the Muskies for eight quick points in just 1:26 of play. From there, HU continued sharp play defensively creating more opportunities offensively. Toward the end of the game,
Alyssa Martin,
Carmyn Cremonese, and
Liz Vincent all found their way into the box score as each score in the final two minutes of action.
Heidelberg dominated multiple categories in the game including shooting percentage (47% to 43%), rebounding (45 to 36), steals (23 to 6), and free throws made (19 to 13).
Prior to tipoff, Heidelberg recognized members of the 1989-90 Final Four team in their 30th anniversary season as part of winter alumni day. The team also won the only OAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships in program history that season.
The Student Princes will be back in action on Wednesday as they host Capital University for a 7 p.m. start time.