Peru State made the jump from NAIA Div. II a season ago and is 1-2 against Benedictine over the past two years. Benedictine beat Peru 59-46 back on Jan. 10 to start their nine-game winning streak that was snapped on Saturday in the loss to MNU. Peru's one win came in Peru, Neb., last season on Feb. 16 when the Bobcats earned a 79-69.
The last time the two schools met in the Ralph Nolan Gymnasium, Benedictine earned a 84-56 win on Jan. 12, 2011.
The Match Up: Peru State College (11-15, 6-8 HAAC) vs. #13 Benedictine (22-4, 12-2 HAAC)
Radio: KAIR 93.7 FM - Tom Kautz and Gus Kautz with the call.
Internet Audio: www.network1sports.com/station/kair
Internet Video: www.livestream.com/benedictineravensportsnetwork
Live Stats - click on the (((w))): http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/Team/TeamPage.aspx?association=10&...
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RavenGameDay (for in-game updates and analysis)
Up Next: vs. Central Methodist University, Saturday, 2 p.m., Fayette, Mo. First time Around: Benedictine 67, CMU 57 (Jan. 12, Atchison).
Full Game Notes
ABOUT BENEDICTINE
For the second time this season, Benedictine had a nine-game winning streak snapped by a nationally-ranked opponent. ... After winning nine straight from Nov. 9 through Dec. 2, the Ravens winning streak was snapped by Shawnee State (Ohio). Saturday, MNU snapped a nine-game streak that stretched from Jan. 10 through Feb. 7. ... Heading into this week, Benedictine is ranked No. 14 in free throw percentage with a 71.3 percent average, in 2013 that average has increased to 72.8 percent. ... Their season average currently puts this group of Ravens into the record books in fifth place with the fourth-place average of 71.4 percent set by the 2003-04 Ravens.
ABOUT PERU STATE
The transition from NAIA Div. II to Div. I hasn't been easy for Peru State College. ... With just four games remaining in the season, the Bobcats have a total of 16 wins at the NAIA Div. I level. They have surpassed their HAAC record from a season ago with their current 6-8 mark as they went 5-13 last season. ... The Bobcats have struggled with a lack of depth this season. Only 11 players have registered stats this season with only four players appearing in all 26 games this season. ... Peru leading scorer Adaugo Osuala has only appeared in 20 games but has started in 17 while averaging 15.3 ppg. ... Post Courtney Ward has started in all 26 games this season for Peru and has been their rock. She is averaging 15.2 ppg and 12.2 rebounds. Ward leads NAIA Div. I in offensive rebounds per game with a 5.8 average. ... Seven players for the Bobcats have averaged over 20 miinutes per game with Osuala and Ward averaging over 30 minutes.
FIRST TIME AROUND
Then ranked No. 21-ranked Benedictine bounced back from its first conference loss of the season on Jan. 10 with a 59-46 win over Peru State on the road. Benedictine used a 40 percent shooting effort in the first half to blow the game open and Peru State could never overcome its halftime deficit. By the half, the Ravens had pushed their lead to 16 points, 36-20, against a Bobcat squad that only went six deep. The Ravens hit 77.8 percent from the charity stripe in the second half and finished the game going 12 of 15 from the line. The Benedictine bench, which went four deap, outscored Peru State 18-2.
Raven guard Kelsey Anselmi (Sr., Olathe) scored a game-high 13 points to lead the Ravens. Forward Erin Murphy (Sr., Olathe) and post Liz Stinson (Sr., Stilwell) each added 11 points for Benedictine.
Peru State was led Courtney Ward, Rachel Blair and Natasha Moss, who all scored 11 points.
EXTRA NUGGETS
The "Anselmi Watch" continues as the senior guard closes in on the Ravens All-Time assist lead. With 435 career assists, she needs 16 assists to break the record of 450 career assists, held by former guard Angela Campbell. Anselmi's current 5.5 assists per game average would also set a new single-season record, passing Cambell's 5.4 average. ... While Benedictine guard Justice Payne (Jr., Stillwater, Okla.) has made a name for herself as the Ravens top 3-pointer shooter, lost in the 3-point shuffle, has been her efforts from the charity stripe. Payne is 45 of 55 this season for a 81.8 average which currently gives her the ninth-best free throw percentage in program history. ... Payne's 70 3-pointers ranks her fifth in NAIA Div. I in made 3-pointers and has put her into the No. 7 spot on the single-season 3-pointers list. ... Peru State is 51 of 213 from beyond the arc this season, relying heavily on the post play of Ward. To put that in perspective, Payne alone is 70 of 204
