Posted: Feb 11, 2009
SALEM, Va. --- Roanoke cruised past Bennett College, 56-35 in non-conference action at the Bast Center Wednesday evening. With the win, the Maroons improved to 20-2 while Bennett dropped to 3-12 on the year.
The win marked Roanoke's 12-straight win, which was the longest since 1996-97. It also marked the program's first 20-win season since the 1999-00 season. The Maroons finished the regular season undefeated in non-conference play (5-0) for the first time in five years.
For head coach Susan Dunagan, it was the 15th 20-win season at Roanoke and her 535th win, which is the most among any coach in ODAC history. The Maroons are now 45-24 against North Carolina schools.
The Maroons jumped out to a 12-0 lead and never trailed as they cruised to a comfortable 38-17 halftime advantage. Caitlyn Long led the team with 11 markers heading into intermission. In the second half, the Maroons kept the lead around 20 in winning its fifth non-conference game of the season.
Roanoke outscored Bennett, 18-8 in second chance points and 25-9 off the bench.
Long led all scorers with 15 points, including a season-best 10-of-10 from the free-throw line in addition to five rebounds. Rachel Hawkins tossed in seven points and five rebounds including two blocked shots.
Jordan Gholson's two blocked shots set the new single-season mark with 47 on the year. She has also moved into fourth all-time in career blocks with 92. Hawkins has 13 blocked shots on the season, marking the seventh highest mark by a freshman.
Asia Smith led Bennett with 10 points and 10 rebounds while Kennetta Johnson chipped in eight points and four rebounds, including 6-of-8 from the line.
The women travel to Emory & Henry on Friday, Feb. 13 in ODAC women's basketball action. The Maroons are 50-24 all-time against the Wasps, including four of the last five meetings. E&H defeated the Maroons, 66-57 in Emory, Va. last season. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
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