Danielle Norquest put up a staggering 34 points and 20 rebounds in the Argos’ (6-6, 6-6 GSC) 75-69 win over West Georgia (5-9, 5-9 GSC) on Saturday at the UWF Field House.

Norquest helped get West Florida off to a hot start, scoring 12 of UWF’s 25 first quarter points.

“That is what NBA stars do,”  coach Stephanie Yelton said. “She hit threes, drove it in for layups, and went to the free throw line.”

While Norquest put up some gaudy numbers, the team could not have functioned without the likes of Peyton Lewis’ 15 points and Charlotte Elmore’s 9 points. 

Elmore finished the game with 6 rebounds and zero turnovers, which is uncommon in the sport. 

“We knew it was gonna be a tough week,” Elmore said. “We have to take this confidence and this momentum into the game against [Auburn University at Montgomery].”

West Florida began the game red-hot, scoring 25 points in the first quarter while only allowing 10 points to West Georgia.

However, after the team drained six three-point shots, UWF’s defense began to diminish. 

West Georgia’s offense kicked into gear after the first quarter. UWG scored 22 points while UWF scored 10. 

Once the second half began, both teams kept the few family members in attendance on their feet while the players battled offensively and defensively to gain control of the game.

For a majority of the third and fourth quarters, both teams were close – West Georgia fighting in the paint and trying to at least tie the game while West Florida battled defensively. 

The Wolves are no strangers to fighting from behind this season and were praised by Yelton for continuing to claw their way back over and over again during the matchup. 

“[Scott Groninger]’s team is used to playing from behind,” Yelton said. “For us to weather that storm and continue to play out the rest of the game, you know, kudos to our players.”

While West Georgia managed to not only tie the game but take the lead twice in the fourth quarter, the Argos’ defense held strong, knowing they had won once the Wolves began to intentionally foul during the final minute of the game. 

West Florida women’s basketball will be on the road for their next match at the University of Auburn Montgomery (0-6, 0-6 GSC) on Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. in Montgomery, Ala.