Hiedeman's Triple-Double Leads MU Past WIU, 77-61

Dec. 2, 2016

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MILWAUKEE - Sophomore Natisha Hiedeman registered the second triple-double in program history on the way to a 12-point, 18-rebound, 10-assist performance in leading Marquette past visiting Western Illinois, 77-61, inside the Al McGuire Center on Friday night.

Marquette (6-1) led wire-to-wire in dispatching the Fighting Leathernecks, using a 9-0 start on the way to a 15-point victory. The Golden Eagles placed four players in double-digit scoring led by Allazia Blockton's 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting. Danielle King and Amani Wilborn each chipped in 10 points, while Hiedeman added 12 to go along with her first career triple-double.

It was just the second triple-double in program history and first since Nov. 21, 2009 when Angel Robinson met the minimum requirement with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Oakland.

Led by Hiedeman's career-high double-digit assist night, the Golden Eagles recorded 25 assists on 31 made baskets - the team's highest percentage of the season. Her 18-rebound performance was also a career-high as MU outrebounded WIU, 56-38, on the night.

Both teams got off to slow starts as they missed their first 13 shots combined before Blockton's tip-in finally broke the scoreless drought nearly three and a half minutes into the contest. That would spark a 9-0 run, giving the Golden Eagles a lead they would not relinquish.

Marquette shot over 47 percent (17-36) from the field in the first half en route to a 43-32 halftime lead. In 16 minutes of action, Hiedeman chipped in 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Blockton and King were the lone two Golden Eagles in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Western Illinois shot just 29.6 percent (21-71) from the field and was lead by Morgan Blumer, who scored 19 points on 6-for-17 shooting.

The Golden Eagles will remain home, taking on Green Bay on Tuesday, Dec. 6, inside the Al McGuire Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. Central time.