CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The No. 7 Parkland College women's basketball team picked up an 82-62 win at home versus Olney Central College on Wednesday, November 29. The Cobras (8-0) battled back-and-forth with the Lady Knights (3-6) in the first half but pulled away in the second to win their eighth straight game to start the season. Sophomore Alyssa Cole (24 points, 15 rebounds) led all scorers with her 16th career double-double and sophomore Luka Wouters dished out a game-high seven assists off the bench. Parkland outscored Olney Central 22-14 off turnovers and produced 22 assists in the win.
 
"The thing that excited me most about this win is the fact that we had five days off, and the girls were determined to win today, and they showed it on the court," Parkland head coach Jean Demosthenes said after the game.
 
"We moved the ball well. Every time we move the ball as a team, everybody gets a chance to make shots, and that's what we did," Demosthenes added. "Of course, we still have to get better on defense, but overall, I was very satisfied with the team."
 
The Cobras started strong from the field, making six of their first seven shots to take a 17-6 lead with 4:26 remaining in the first quarter, but the team went cold after an Olney Central timeout, and the Lady Knights closed the gap to 19-13 going into the second. Back-to-back threes early in the second quarter put Parkland ahead 27-17 with 7:27 on the clock, but a quick Lady Knights 6-0 run with 2:46 until halftime cut the lead to 32-26. The Cobra defense stepped up late in the second quarter, holding the visitors scoreless until halftime as Parkland went into the break with a 34-26 lead. In the second half, both teams found success working the ball inside, and Parkland led 40-30 with 6:14 to go in the quarter when Olney Central called a timeout. The Cobras got to the free throw line in the third quarter, going 11-12 and fueling a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 20 at one point, and Parkland led 56-38 heading to the fourth. The hosts led by as much as 71-43 with 5:42 left, and the Cobras cruised to an 82-62 win.
 
Statistical Overview:
Alyssa Cole: 24 points (11-11 FT), 15 rebounds, 5 assists
Siarah Brown: 18 points, 3 assists, 3 steals
Rylea Johnson: 9 points, 4 rebounds
Megan Janson: 4 points, 4 assists, 3 steals
Luka Wouters: 3 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
 
Up next, the Cobras take on Kankakee Community College at home on Saturday, December 2. Tip-off against the Cavaliers (5-1) is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.