Atherton, California- Defense was the name of the game inside Haynes-Prim Pavilion on Saturday night. Menlo Women's Basketball pulled out a gritty, grind it out, defensive win against the visiting Jessup Warriors with a final score of 54-45. 

Neither team could get much offense going from the start. Through one quarter both teams were shooting under 32% from the field and combined for 10 turnovers. But, as has been the case this whole season, the Oaks found a way to win when it mattered most. While they struggled from the field, Menlo was dialed in at the free throw line. As a team they would shoot 80%, hitting 16 of 20 attempts. In fact, the Oaks now lead the GSAC conference in both free throws made per game and free throw percentage.

Another huge aspect to their win was the defensive intensity the entire team played with. They held Jessup to 33% shooting on the night, forced 18 turnovers and pulled down 14 offensive boards. The most impressive aspect of the night has to be Menlo only committing 10 total fouls and sending the Warriors to the free throw line only three times. Playing with intensity and control makes for a deadly combination on the less glamorous side of the ball.  

Individually, Kiara Brown posted another double-double, her eighth of the year. Her 23 points were a game high. Jordyn Rosette continues her dominant run as a defensive force. Rosette constantly defended across the entire court coming away with four steals. In fact, seven different Oaks, including the entire starting five, all recorded at least one takeaway. 

Tonight's win was a big one with the GSAC conference tournament just a few weeks away. Menlo now sits just one game behind second place Vanguard. If the Oaks can manage to make a run at a top two finish in the conference they will be able to secure a first round bye come tournament time. Menlo is now 11-1 in their last 12 games. They take the court again next Thursday, February 9th against the visiting OUAZ Spirit.