EVANSVILLE — Facing a second half challenge from Indiana State on Friday evening, Camary Williams let her instincts take over, sparking a run for the University of Evansville women's basketball team as the Purple Aces went on to claim a 57-41 victory over the visiting Sycamores at the Ford Center.
The Aces (6-6, 1-0 Missouri Valley Conference), who led for all but the first five minutes of the game, saw their lead cut down to single digits partially through the third quarter after an Ashley Taia three-pointer. Williams replied in kind 19 seconds later, and she'd follow up with a pair of steals that turned into four points to re-establish a 15-point cushion that would not be seriously challenged again.
"It was kind of just instincts," Williams explained. "I started to see where they were going to go with the ball, and it became easier for me to jump the passing lanes. When I get on a roll, it starts to come to me quickly."
The Ft. Myers, Fla., native ended the day with 25 points on 7-of-13 shooting, including a 10-for-11 showing from the free-throw line. She also pulled down a team-best nine rebounds and seven steals, with six coming in the second half.
"Camary played a great second half," UE head coach Matt Ruffing said. "I have to give her credit. She's a fighter, and she just keeps going and looking to make that next play, whether it's on offense or defense. You know, it's almost like she's a shutdown corner in football. Teams may have to start staying away from her half of the court with the way she's been playing. I really like what she brings. She has a great attitude, and I think everyone feeds off of her. It gets us going."
Williams was only one part of a stout defensive performance for the Aces. UE held the visitors from Terre Haute to an anemic 25.5% mark from the field, including a 4-for-23 outing from beyond the three-point line. In all, ISU also turned the ball over 17 times.
UE's defensive efforts were on display early, as the Aces held the Sycamores (6-6, 0-1 MVC) to just seven points in the opening quarter. While both teams had their difficulties from the field in the period, UE's aggressiveness helped put the visitors in early foul trouble, with the Aces picking up five points at the line to take a 12-7 lead into the second stanza.
"Our game plan was to be aggressive from the tip," Ruffing said. "Indiana State is a tough team, especially on defense. If you're not aggressive against it, you can play into their hands. I thought our girls did a great job attacking and trying to make plays."
"We wanted to attack, attack, attack," echoed Williams. "We knew they were a physical team, and we felt that we could find ways to get to the line against them."
Sara Dickey started to warm up in the second period scoring seven of her 16 points on the night as the Aces took a 29-19 lead into the break.
After UE grabbed a 16-point third quarter lead, Taia, who missed much of the first half due to foul trouble, was involved in eight points over the course of a Sycamore surge before Williams led that game-changing run. The forward entered the contest as ISU's leading scorer before being held to just eight points.
Wendi Bibbins and Rhagen Smith led the visitors on the night with nine points apiece. They also combined for 20 rebounds.
UE will return to MVC action on Sunday against Loyola. Tipoff at the Ford Center is slated for noon.
NOTES: UE has won six of its last seven games, including four in a row at the Ford Center … Sara Dickey's career point total of 1,838 ranks 16th in Missouri Valley Conference history. She is five points away from tying former Indiana State star Kourtney Mennen (1999-03) for 15th … Dickey ranks ninth among the nation's active leading scorers … Camary Williams has now recorded five or more takeaways in seven games this season. The Aces are 6-1 in such contests … With eight rebounds on Friday, Sasha Robinson's career total moved to 708. She is 37 away from tying Samantha Heck for the fifth-most in school history … UE is now 16-37 all-time against Indiana State … Friday's win was the first for the Aces in the series since Feb. 16, 2014 … It was the first home win in the series since Feb. 19, 2009 … The Aces are now 128-162 all-time versus opponents from the state of Indiana.
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