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Video interview with Coach Kenesie

The UW-Parkside women's basketball team overcame a sloppy start to defeat the Saginaw Valley State Cardinals 67-50 Saturday afternoon at the DeSimone Gymnasium. The Rangers improve their record to 2-1 on the year.

This win for the Rangers marks their 20^th straight at home and improves their record to 35-1 in their last 36 home games.

Early on Saturday the Rangers uncharacteristically turned the ball over four times in the opening minutes as the Cardinals stayed close while trailing 8-7.

After those untimely turnovers the Rangers flipped a switch and instantly went on a 14-2 run. With 6:30 left in the half UWP stretched their lead to 13 points and led 22-9. Six different Rangers scored during their first half run.

“If we can get some production both offensively and defensively from some kids off the bench that's going to make us a much better basketball team,” said Head Coach Jenny Knight-Kenesie.

The run by the Rangers was led by their shut down defense as they forced 15 Cardinal turnovers in the first half. Jaleesa Trussell came off the bench to lead the defensive enforcement with two key steals.

Saginaw Valley responded with a run in the final two minutes of the first half. The 7-0 spurt by the Cardinals ended the half with a score of 28 to 22 Parkside.

The Cardinals shot 10-of-25 (40%) from the field as the Rangers shot 11-of-31 (35.5%), but UWP drained five threes as part of their offensive push.

The Rangers set the tone in the second half as they used a 20-4 surge  to build a comfortable lead. The run pushed their lead to 48-26 as the Rangers coasted to victory.

“At halftime we talked a lot about getting out in transition,” said coach Knight-Kenesie. “We wanted to see if we could get some easy baskets and our kids bought into it.”

Kaitlyn Bettiga was key for the Rangers offensively with 13 points and six assists. Jadee Rooney led all scorers with 17 points.

Parkside's stellar defense continued in the second half as the Cardinals struggled to find consistency on the offensive. Saginaw Valley only shot 7-of-26 from the field (26.9%) in the second half.

UWP was much sharper offensively in the second half overall. The Rangers shot 14-of-30 from the field (46.7%), but also doused the net from deep as they made six three-pointers.

The Rangers will continue their month long home stand with Trinity International University (IL) Tuesday night in DeSimone Gymnasium. Tipoff will be at 5:30 p.m. as the Rangers will try to continue their dominance at home.