Groce Scores 18 as UWA Beats Rio Piedras, 62-55

Box Score

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Kierra Groce scored 18 points, converting 7-of-9 from the field, to lead West Alabama to a 62-55 women's college basketball victory over Rio Piedras Wednesday in the first game of the 2016 Puerto Rico Classic at Cancha Cosme Beitia Salamo Gym.

The win was the first of the season for West Alabama, who improved to 1-2. Rio Piedras, who competes as an NCAA Division II independent, dropped to 0-4.

After leading 34-27 at the half, West Alabama fought off a charge by Rio Piedras in the final two quarters to secure the victory. The Jerezanas cut the UWA lead to four points early in the third quarter on a three-pointer by Jacqueline Rosario, but that was as close as Rio Piedras would come.

West Alabama stretched the lead back to nine points midway through the fourth period and even got as close as six on another Rosario three with 1:33 left to play. Baskets by Groce, Ariel Wilson and Chloe Culpepper in the final minute put the game away for the Tigers.

"Every coach in America will tell you they will take an ugly win over a pretty loss," UWA head coach Rusty Cram said. "We just have to keep working and continuing to grow.

"Rio Piedras gave us some looks today that we haven't seen yet and that's a part of why you play in an event like this," Cram said. "Kierra stepped up and played a great game, and I thought Jenna Bradberry also played well despite being in foul trouble."

Wilson chipped in 12 points for West Alabama, who shot 47 percent from the floor (24-of-51). Peyton Parker led UWA rebounders with five and dished out six assists.

Gabriela Maldonado paced the Jerezanas with 18 points, followed by Rosario with 12 as UWA limited Rio Piedras to just 37 percent (17-of-46) from the floor. The Jerezanas also missed 14 free throws.

West Alabama plays No. 6 Pittsburg (Kansas) State on Thanksgiving Day. Tipoff is 9 a.m. central time.

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Players Mentioned

#12 Peyton Parker: PG; 5' 5"; Junior

#23 Chloe Culpepper: C; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#22 Ariel Wilson: G; 5' 5"; Senior

#4 Kierra Groce: G; 5' 4"; Sophomore

#21 Jenna Bradberry: F; 5' 10"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Peyton Parker
: 5' 5"; Junior
: PG

#23 Chloe Culpepper
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: C

#22 Ariel Wilson
: 5' 5"; Senior
: G

#4 Kierra Groce
: 5' 4"; Sophomore
: G

#21 Jenna Bradberry
: 5' 10"; Freshman
: F