Pride finish off 83-75 road win over Grand View

DES MOINES, Iowa - A matchup with both teams looking to exact their own form of revenge, it was the CLarke University women's basketball team that earned their second win of the season over Grand View University by a score of 83-75.

The Vikings were hoping for payback from CU's 90-69 win from November as the Pride were looking to earn a win in a building where they suffered one of their three defeats in the 2021-22 season as Grand View earned an 80-69 win on Feb. 2, 2022.

Clarke would have held an advantage in every quarter of action if not for a buzzer-beating three pointer from Grand View's Ella Larsen at the end of the first as the Pride saw themselves down two points after 10 minutes and tied at 35-35 at the halftime break.

As has been somewhat of a theme over the last few years and definitely over these last two road games, a strong third quarter carried Clarke to building a solid advantage heading into the fourth as they outscored the Vikings 26-19 to lead by as many as 13 at one point in the period and seven heading into the final frame. 

The Pride starting five carried a bulk of the statistical load led by the 18-point, 15-rebound double-double from junior Nicole McDermott for her fifth double-double of the season as she scored 11 of her 18 points in the second half. 

Three of the remaining four starters scored in double figures as well with the fourth being a basket away as Skylar Culbertson finished with an impressive eight points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals statline in a team-high 34 minutes of action. All eight of Culbertson's points came in the fourth quarter, including both of her three point attempts falling to help CU maintain their lead in the final quarter.

Those other three in double figures were Emma Kelchen with 17, Tina Ubl with 13, and Giana Michels with 10 as all five of the starters shot 50 percent or better from the field with Taylor Haase, Mya Merschman, and Izzie Peterson providing eight, seven, and two respectively off the bench.

Clarke women's basketball will return to the Kehl Center next Wednesday for a rematch meeting against Mount Mercy University for a 5:30 p.m. CT tip.