The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Socka-Nguemen’s Double-Double Leads Indiana Past Samford 80-44
By Megan McCarthy
Photo: 1902 Arbutus yearbook / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
BLOOMINGTON, Indiana — Zania Socka-Nguemen scored 17 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Indiana to an 80-44 victory over Samford at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, keeping the Hoosiers unbeaten at 4-0.
Indiana opened the game with a 6-0 run and never looked back, leading 28-10 after the first quarter. The Hoosiers were never in doubt after that fast start, controlling the game from start to finish.
Socka-Nguemen’s double-double anchored Indiana’s performance, but she was not alone. Four other Hoosiers also scored in double figures, showcasing the depth that has helped Indiana to its perfect start.
Samford, which fell to 2-2, struggled to keep pace with Indiana’s early surge. The Bulldogs scored 10 points in the first quarter, 13 in the second, 11 in the third and 10 in the fourth, never finding a sustained offensive rhythm against the Hoosiers’ defense.
The teams tied the second quarter 13-13 before Indiana pulled away again in the second half. The Hoosiers outscored Samford 21-11 in the third quarter and 18-10 in the fourth to complete the 36-point victory.
The Hoosiers played without starter Lenee Beaumont, who did not play because of a knee injury suffered in the previous game. Despite her absence, Indiana’s depth was on full display, with five players reaching double figures and Socka-Nguemen leading the way.
For Indiana, the win was another step in a strong start to the season. At 4-0, the Hoosiers have shown they can win convincingly even when short-handed, a promising sign as the schedule gets tougher.
Samford will look to regroup after the loss, which dropped the Bulldogs to 2-2. The 44 points were a reminder of how difficult it can be to score against a team as deep and disciplined as Indiana.
The Hoosiers’ fast start set the tone, and their balanced scoring ensured the outcome was never in doubt after the opening minutes.
Megan McCarthy
Women’s College Basketball, The Library Media
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