NAIA tournament: Lemon, Yellow Jackets cruise past Taylor

Southeastern High grad has big first half, and Cedarville never looks back in opening win.

Scott Huck/University Photographer

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Staff Reports 10:30 PM Thursday, March 11, 2010

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Cedarville University senior Alison Lemon had a game-high 22 points and 13 rebounds to help the Yellow Jackets cruise past Taylor University 75-50 in the first round of the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball National Championship tournament at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena on Thursday, March 11.

Cedarville, which was one of four No. 2 seeds in the tournament, jumped out early and built a 50-23 halftime advantage over the No. 7 seed Trojans (17-12).

The Yellow Jackets shot 43 percent from the field and went 7-for-15 from behind the 3-point line in the first half. Lemon, a Southeastern High School graduate, sparked the early run with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

“We shot lights out in the first half,” said Cedarville head coach Kirk Martin. “We played really well. It was fun to watch.”

The Yellow Jackets, who came into the tournament on a two-game losing streak, played with a focus Thursday that impressed Martin.

“We limped into the tournament losing the last few games,” he said. “We got rid of those late-season doldrums today.”

Northwestern alum Aubrey Siemon had her 22nd double-double of the season (14 points, 12 rebounds). Rachel Hurley scored 16 points, and Caitlyn Brooks chipped in 10 points for Cedarville (27-5).

The Yellow Jackets advanced to face Briar Cliff, Iowa, the host school for the tournament, in the second round at 8 p.m. today.

The No. 3 seed Chargers (26-7) are led by senior Liz Grider, who averaged 25.9 points per game during the regular season.

“They have the NAIA leading scorer and 5,000 screaming fans, so it is going to be a tough test for us,” added Martin.

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