Trojans Overcome Slow Start to Post 12th Straight Win

SURPRISE, Ariz. – RV Taylor (12-0) overcame an early double-digit deficit to defeat Ottawa University Arizona (5-6) 68-50 on Tuesday afternoon inside Faith Arena.

With the victory, TU extended its winning streak to 12 and continued its best start since the 2019-20 season. The Trojans have limited their opponent to under 70 points in six consecutive games, as well as eight of previous nine outings.

After the halftime score was even at 25-25, the Trojans outscored OUAZ by a combined margin of 43-25 over the final two periods while shooting 51.5 percent (17-33). TU also limited OUAZ to 33.3-percent (8-24) shooting over the final 20 minutes of play.

Kaycie Warfel led all scorers with 24 points to go with six rebounds and six steals, which tied a career high. The freshman guard poured in 18 points after halftime. Celina Blount reached double figures with 10 points paired with eight boards and five blocks. Madi Allen and Quinn Kelly each chipped in with eight points.

The Trojans grabbed the first lead of the game when Kelly opened the scoring with a layup off a nice dish from Kaycie Warfel. But OUAZ stole the early momentum with a 12-0 run and claimed a 10-point lead at the under-five media timeout. It was only the second time all season that the Trojans trailed by double digits.

With both sides struggling on offense through the first quarter, the TU bench stepped up to close out the opening period on a 7-2 run sparked by Whitney Warfel's four points. A made 3-pointer at the buzzer from Kendall Sietsema pulled the Trojans within three, 14-11.

In the second quarter, Allen kept things rolling for TU with a made layup which got the Trojans within a point, 14-13. The freshman guard had six points in the second frame, including the tying layup just before halftime.

OUAZ extended its lead to six with under four minutes, 23-17, as the game remained a tight defensive battle before the intermission break. Then, a 6-0 Taylor run evened the score at the 2:35 mark following a pair of Blount buckets and a Kaycie Warfel layup. The Trojans ended the second period shooting 5 of 7 from the field.

After the break, TU grabbed its first lead since the start of the contest when Emma Fohl converted on a driving layup to put the Trojans ahead 27-25. That lead was short-lived after OUAZ drilled a pair of treys as it appeared the hosts might take control.

However, the Trojans locked down the Spirt the rest of the way.

A Kelly steal off the press sparked an 8-0 run for the Trojans, as the senior forward knocked down a pair of jumpers for a 32-31 advantage.

Kaycie Warfel's three-point play extended the run before Marissa Trout stepped up to drill a huge three which put the Trojans in front, 46-39. Another big play from Sietsema before the buzzer gave the Trojans the 48-40 lead entering the final quarter after the senior converted a putback layup.

The Trojans cruised through the fourth period, which started on a pair of jumpers from Allen and Blount to give TU its largest lead at 11 points, 54-43, with under seven minutes remaining.

TU outscored OUAZ by 20 points (30-10) in points off turnovers while forcing the Spirit into 22 turnovers on 12 steals. The Trojans also outpaced the Spirit 34-10 in fastbreak points.

Overall, the Trojans shot 43 percent on 28-of-65 shooting while holding the Spirit to 30-percent shooting on 18 made field goals on 60 attempts. Charli Cook scored a team-high 14 points to lead OUAZ.

TU will return to action Thursday against Arizona Christian. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET in Glendale.