University of Central Oklahoma Athletics

Bronchos take on Northeastern State Saturday

12/2/2016 5:03:00 PM | By: Chris Brannick

Central Oklahoma freshman guard Shatoya Bryson is averaging 3.6 points per game through five games this season. [UCO Photo Services]

EDMOND - The University of Central Oklahoma women's basketball team hosts Northeastern State on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Hamilton Field House.

The Bronchos (5-0, 1-0) and the Riverhawks (2-4, 0-1) meet Saturday for the 60th time, and though the Bronchos have only won 22 against their intrastate rival, this year's squad is more than ready for this game.

UCO enters the game averaging just under 80 points per game (78.8), and shooting .437 from the floor. The Bronchos are led by Melinda Murillo, who is averaging 18.8 points per game in her first season in Bronze & Blue.

"Melinda hasn't wasted any time finding her niche with the team," UCO head coach Guy Hardaker said. "There hasn't been any adjustment period. And she's been great from the start. She is the loudest player on the floor in practice, in the huddle, and on the floor in games you've seen what she's capable of."

Murillo scored 20 points in her debut against Northwestern in November. After scoring 14 against Southeastern, then dipping to just eight against Oklahoma Christian, Murillo has responded. She went for a season-high 28 against Cameron and then 24 earlier this week in the conference-opening win over Northwest Missouri State.

Looking at the games Murillo didn't score as much is also good news for the Bronchos. Senior Olivia Mason has been a consistent force in the young season as well for Hardaker. She led the Bronchos with 20 and 17 in those two games Murillo didn't shoot as well.

Then there's Blake Blessington, who led the Bronchos in scoring in the first game of the season when she tied a school record for 3-pointers made in a single game.

Hardaker has multiple scoring threats on this year's team and that's the No. 1 reason why the Bronchos are 5-0.

For Northeastern State, Riley Torrey is also averaging 18 points per game. Murillo is fourth in the MIAA at 18.8, Torrey is fifth at 18.2.

Might be in for a show on Saturday afternoon.

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