WILKES-BARRE, PA (November 24, 2018) – The King's College women's basketball team forced 26 turnovers Saturday afternoon in its 2018-19 home opener with Neumann University, as the Monarchs knocked off the visiting Knights 77-57 in non-conference play from McGrane Gymnasium in the first game following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Despite not having played since Tuesday, both teams came out of the gate quick offensively as Neumann shot 57.1 percent from the field in the opening stanza while King's scored 25 points in the first quarter to hold a 25-20 edge after 10 minutes.

The Monarchs scored 12 of the first 16 points of the game, capping the run over the first 3:43 with a triple by junior Mackenzie Yori. The Knights (4-2) would post the game's next 11 points, taking a 15-14 lead at 3:37 of the first on a layup by Maia Bryson. Five straight points from freshman Samantha Rajza lifted King's back on top for good though, as King's took a five-point lead into the second quarter.

In the second frame it would be the King' defense that took center stage, as the Monarchs held Neumann to nine points and 23.1 shooting (3-13) while forcing the Knights into six turnovers. King's grew its lead up to 42-25 with 2:55 to play in the opening half after a pair of free throws from Rebecca Prociak, as the Monarchs went into the locker room up 15 at 44-29.

The third quarter was much of the same for the Monarchs, as their stifling defense led by senior Lindsey Dippre saw Neumann make just 5-of-17 from the floor while committing eight turnovers. On the other hand, King's fired at a 50.0 percent (9-18) clip in the period including making 9-of-13 inside the three-point arc. Dippre took two charges in the period and had a steal as the host Monarchs led by as much as 25 in the third after a jumper by Rajza at 2:01 of the period.

In the fourth, the Monarch leads would swell up to 27 at one point as King's cruised to the victory. The victory to start the home schedule was the second straight season that the Monarchs have opened their home slate with a win, and it was also the third time in the last five seasons.
Prociak finished with her third double-double of the season, registering 17 points on 6-of-16 shooting, also finishing with 12 rebounds. Senior Alexis Steeber finished 6-of-16 from the floor en route to 17 points, while adding six rebounds as well. Yori was efficient as usual, posting 16 points while making seven of her 10 field goals.

Dippre had an all-around solid performance with seven points, three steals and three rebounds, and Rajza finished with 10 points in 18 minutes off the bench, adding three steals and six rebounds. It was the fourth straight game that the newcomer has posted three thefts in a game for King's. Fellow newcomer Emily Kriston played in a season-high 26 minutes, scoring six points while corralling eight rebounds and handing out a team-high four assists.

King's shot only 34.6 percent from the floor on the evening but took 21 more shot attempts than Neumann in the win. The Monarchs were 17-of-22 from the free throw line (77.3 percent) and posted a huge 31-13 advantage in points off turnovers. King's also dominated on the offensive glass, finishing with a 28-4 edge in second chance points.

Neumann was led by Nafisa Saunders, who finished with a game-high 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting. The Knights narrowly won the defensive rebounding battle 29-28 but allowed 25 offensive rebounds to the Monarchs.

King's (3-2) will be back in action Monday, November 26, hosting Centenary University at 7 p.m. in McGrane Gymnasium in more non-conference play. Following the game, the King's SAAC will host its 4^th annual Carol Night, raising money for the King's College Staff Council Toys for Tots Collection. Student-athlete participants are encouraged to donate $1 at the event.