WPU Struggles with Pressure Against Eagles

Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team could not keep a harassing Central Methodist squad at bay in a 79-53 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Wednesday.

WPU (3-12, 2-9 Heart) committed 28 turnovers as it dropped a home contest in which it was outshot 46.3%-32.1% and outrebounded 42-37.

The navy and gold allowed CMU (8-7, 5-6 Heart) to score the game’s first five points, but they responded with a 12-3 run. At quarter’s end, the hosts were more than holding their own with a 19-15 lead.

Unfortunately, the second quarter was not as productive with William Penn scoring only five points and entering halftime down 32-24.

Although it scored more points in the latter two quarters than the previous two, WPU’s fortunes did not improve after intermission as the mistakes were too much to overcome. The Statesmen, who saw Central Methodist commit 16 turnovers, were outscored 29-9 in points off errors.

Both sides made seven three-pointers, while the Statesmen were a bit more productive at the free-throw line at 12-for-18 (CMU was 10-for-17).

Ally Stewart (Sr., Victoria, Australia, Sports Management) hit four trifectas en route to a team-high 13 points. Mercer Roberts (Sr., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Wellness and Recreation) joined her in double figures with 11 points, while Aliyah Myers (Sr., Wichita, Kan., Business Management) managed eight points with five assists.

Alyssa Hames (Jr., Ackley, Iowa, Psychology) added seven points in addition to a squad-best 11 rebounds. Aysia Arrowood (Jr., Wichita, Kan., Sports Management) topped William Penn’s non-starters with seven points as well.

Next Up: William Penn remains in Oskaloosa Saturday to host MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart action at 2 p.m.