The K-State women’s basketball team turned defense into offense in its 89-55 win over the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Sunday afternoon in Bramlage Coliseum.

The Wildcats turned 23 of the Golden Lions’ turnovers into 29 points while only committing eight turnovers of their own.

“The offense will come, and the more I see us playing great, accountable defense day in and day out, the more time I’ll be able to spend with our team on offense,” said head coach Deb Patterson after the game. “Our defense cannot waiver; neither can our rebounding night in and night out.”

The Wildcats began to hit on all cylinders after the Golden Lions pulled ahead by two points halfway through the first half, and closed the first half on a 23-4 run to take a 47-26 halftime lead.

Seven Wildcats hit at least one 3-point basket and 10 recorded points against the Golden Eagles for a combined 14-of-35 from beyond the arc for the game.

“We might have one player right now that is probably not a threat from the 3-point line on a consistent level,” Patterson said. “We won’t necessarily live off that shot but we’re very, very good at it.”

Brittany Chambers struggled shooting, hitting 5-of-14 from the field, but still led the Wildcats in scoring with 15 points.

“I think I was a little hesitant tonight in some of the shots that I took,” Chambers said. “The system will come along. We’ll get more used to it. We’ll recognize when we’re supposed to take the right shots. It’ll be more comfortable and there will be less second guessing.”

Ashia Woods scored an efficient 10 points on 4-of-5 from the field.

Three other Wildcats scored in double figures to give the Wildcats a balanced attack; Bri Craig, Ashlynn Knoll and Haley Texada finished with 13, 10 and 10 points, respectively.

“It’s really up tempo. It works well really with my type of play,” Texada said about how she is fitting in with the offense.

The Golden Lions shot double the amount of free throws as the Wildcats, leaving Patterson optimistic that number will increase.

“I’m hopeful our free throw numbers will improve,” Patterson said. “I think we can still be more aggressive getting to the foul line but I wouldn’t trade the 3-point looks that we got.”

The Wildcats have more than a week off before a two-game road trip against Tennessee State and Charlotte.

“I’m really excited about this road swing just to test us on the road,” Patterson said. “I feel good with where we’re at. I’m really looking forward to the challenge of playing in two cities against two very good opponents.”

Patterson added how she wishes there wasn’t an eight day break between games.

“I’d love to be able to throw another game in there,” Patterson said. “No coach is going to say they don’t appreciate the opportunity for practice.”