Cottey Comets defeat Missouri Valley JV

Herald-Tribune

MARSHALL, Mo. -- The Cottey College Comets basketball team used a strong second half to open its 2012-'13 schedule with a 77-51 victory over the Missouri Valley College women's junior varsity squad Thursday night on the road.

The Comets found themselves deadlocked in a 31-all tie at halftime before coach Dave Ketterman's squad turned up the heat and outscored Missouri Valley, 46-20, over the final 20 minutes to take the victory. Sophomore Blaklee Sanders led the Comets with 25 points and was joined in double digits by Dayna Turnbull with 17 and Petra Stankovic with 11. Sanders shot 50 percent from the field (10-for-20) and 62.5 percent from the free-throw line (5-for-8), while Turnbull went 6-for-12 from the field (50 percent) and 5-for-7 from the free-throw line (71 percent) and Stankovic was 4-for-10 from the field.

Turnbull also dished out seven assists and Stankovic led Cottey with 12 rebounds -- 10 of those on defense.

As a team, the Comets shot just 39.5 percent from the field (30-for-76) with 53 rebounds, 20 assists and four blocks. Head coach Dave Ketterman's squad finished the night 14 of 28 from the foul line.

The Comets are scheduled to begin a four-game homestand Tuesday night when Ozark Christian College visits Hinkhouse Center. Tipoff for that contest is scheduled for 6 p.m.