PARSONS — A dominating third quarter gave Allen Community College’s women just the lift they needed Saturday.
The Red Devils turned a five-point halftime lead into a 55-31 advantage, courtesy of a 23-4 third-quarter run against host Labette.
The Cardinals tried to return the favor in the fourth quarter, but could draw no closer than the final 64-52.
“We weren’t really happy with how they played,” ACC head coach Leslie Crane said, calling Allen’s performance “uninspired.”
“The girls weren’t happy about it, and I wasn’t happy about it,” she said. “We didn’t play really well until the third quarter. Then we were able to get some things done to pull ahead.”
The win lifts ACC to 16-4 overall and 4-2 at the midpoint of Jayhawk Conference play. The Red Devils travel to Hesston on Wednesday.
“We know we’ve got to play more consistently in the second round” of the conference season, Crane said.
Against Labette, Allen prevailed despite struggling mightily from 3-point range (2 of 11) and the free-throw line (10 of 17). The Red Devils held a commanding 43 to 25 rebound advantage. Both teams also turned the ball over 25 times.
Allen led 15-14 at halftime and 32-27 at the break. Allen’s third-quarter explosion put the game out of reach, although Labette outscored ACC 21-9 in the final period.
Sarang West led the way for the victors with 17 points, followed by Khassidy Warr with 14 and Sara Ortiz with 12 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Noa Muranaka dished out four assists. West had a pair of steals; Jania Jones blocked a pair of shots.
Natalia Silvia scored 12 to pace Labette.
FG/3pt FT F TP
Allen (15-17-23-9—64)
Muranaka 1 0 2 2
Chambel 2 0 2 4