In a low scoring first half of play, both teams struggled from the field as the score was knotted at 11-11 with 10:00 left. With Washington U. leading 18-17, the Bears ended the half on a 9-0 run when sophomore Halsey Ward connected on a three-pointer and classmate Jill Brandt made two free-throws to make it 27-17 at the break.
The Bears shot 32.1 percent (9-28) from the field, but held Rochester to 23.1 percent (6-26) shooting. Washington U.'s bench outscored Rochester 12-2 in the first half, led by freshman Janice Evans' four points. Sophomore Jaimie McFarlin Monroe had five points and nine rebounds, as nine Bears scored in the first half.
Washington U. extended the run to 13-0 when senior Rebecca Parker scored two lay-ups to begin the second half to make it 31-17 a minute into the second half. Brandt extended the lead to 42-21 with 15:08 left in the game when she connected on three free-throws and scored on a lay-up. The Bears took their largest lead of the game at 45-24 after Evans hit 1-of-2 from the charity stripe.
Brandt scored a game-high 13 points, hitting 9-of-11 free throws, while Parker finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. Senior Danielle Muller led UR with 11 points and six rebounds. The Red and Green held a 50-37 advantage on the boards.
Washington University returns to action at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, against Carnegie Mellon University at the WU Field House.