Defense leads Grinnell past Vikings

GRINNELL, Iowa — The Grinnell College women’s basketball team rode a stifling defensive effort in the first half and went on to a 60-38 Midwest Conference victory over Lawrence University on Saturday at Darby Gymnasium.

Grinnell (6-7, 5-4 MWC) limited Lawrence (1-12, 0-8) to 8 percent shooting (2-25) in the first half as the Pioneers rolled out to a 30-7 lead at the half.

Lawrence was much better in the second half by shooting 10-for-34 (29.4 percent), but still well below its season average of 34.5 percent.

The Pioneers would lead by as many as 26 points early in the second half, and Lawrence never got closer than 18 points after that.

Toluwaloju Alabi led Grinnell with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. Alissa Hirsh added 11 points for the Pioneers, and Michelle Briggs had a game-high 13 rebounds.

Alex Deshler and Amber Lisowe paced Lawrence with nine points apiece. Deshler pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds for the Vikings.

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