Women's basketball wins Cavalier Classic, Frost breaks all-time rebounding record
During the last two days of Central Michigan women's basketball, the Chippewas defeated a top ACC opponent, hoisted a championship and one player broke a program record.
Led by head coach Sue Guevara, the Chippewas (5-1) defeated both Virginia and Chattanooga to capture the tournament title.
"It was nice to get out of here with two wins," Guevara said. "(Sunday) was especially good because I was able to play everybody and they all contributed in some way or another and I got to rest the starters for a little bit."
CMU's next game takes place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 30 against Iona at the Hynes Athletic Center in Rochelle, New York.
Game 1
The Chippewas jumped out to a 24-14 first quarter edge against Virginia and pressed on throughout the final three quarters for a 74-61 victory on Nov. 24. The Cavaliers were held to 33 percent from the field and were out-rebounded by CMU, 38-32.
Senior guard Presley Hudson was just 1-of-7 shooting in the first half. CMU went to the halftime break with a 36-21 edge, and then the point guard exploded. She poured in 19 second half points.
Hudson made 6-of-7 shots in the second half – converting on every 3-point attempt. Assistant coach Heather Oesterle said Hudson made the adjustment on her own.
"(Hudson) is one of those players that you don't need to say much to, especially at halftime," Oesterle said.
Despite Hudson's second half heroics, the game was highlighted by senior forward Reyna Frost's 10 rebounds, giving her 1,141 for her CMU career. Her final line pushed her ahead of Crystal Bradford's previous school record of 1,140.
"Nobody but her deserves it more," Oesterle said. "She's worked her butt off all four years she's been here. It's a great accomplishment for her."
Hudson finished with 22 points and six assists. Freshman center Jahari Smith registered 14 points and seven rebounds.
Game 2
Building a 10-point first quarter lead, CMU extended its lead to 32 points in the third quarter – resulting in a 73-50 blowout of Chattanooga on Nov. 25.
Sophomore center Kyra Bussell came off the bench to set a new career-high with 14 points and seven rebounds. When the Mocs fouled Bussell, she converted 8-of-10 free throws.
"You saw her attacking the basket, she got to the free throw line and she really went after the ball, pursued the ball," Guevara said. "It was nice to see her have a breakout game."
While all of CMU's bench saw action on Sunday, the team was paced by Michaela Kelly's 16-point effort. Frost chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds. The Chippewas outrebounded Chattanooga by 11, helping widen the margin of victory.
Lakelyn Bouldin led the Mocs with 10 points.
"I'm grateful that we were able to get our freshman and our sophomores some playing time because they need to play in games like this so that they're seasoned by the time we open (league play) with Akron," Guevara said.
