Fourth Quarter Lifts Statesmen to Win Over Yellowjackets
Fourth Quarter Lifts Statesmen to Win Over Yellowjackets
Oskaloosa–The William Penn women’s basketball team closed out Wednesday night’s contest against Graceland on a 28-8 run to come from behind for a 77-69 Heart of America Athletic Conference victory.
Down 61-49 late in the third quarter to a squad which was winless in league play (GU is now 1-15, 0-11 Heart), the Statesmen suddenly caught fire on both ends to avoid the upset.
The teams played nearly even through the first 10 minutes, but the second period was controlled by the visitors to own a 41-32 halftime edge. William Penn (8-10, 5-6 Heart), which snapped its three-game losing streak, finally began to turn the tables inside a minute to go in the third stanza.
The navy and gold knotted it up soon thereafter and took the lead for good at 66-63 on a three-pointer by Kadejah Young (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Physical Education) with 3:25 on the clock. Young finished with 16 points.
After a great first 20 minutes from the field, GU was slowed way down after intermission as WPU eventually overtook its foe with a 42.0%-39.4% shooting advantage.
The victors also claimed a 47-40 mark in rebounding and committed two fewer turnovers (14-16). Alyssa Phillips (Jr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) was big on both ends with 19 points and six blocks.
Asia Roper (Jr., Aurora, Colo., Psychology) had a breakout game with 15 points and two steals. Sabrina Avery (Fr., Riverside, Calif., Psychology and Sociology) added eight points and Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) was all over the court with seven points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
“I asked the team at halftime to go out in the second half and leave it all on the floor,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “I said let’s walk off the floor with no regrets at the end of the game; if they could do that, I said I would be fine with the outcome. They did just that and we came out with the win. I really love this team and their heart!”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Kansas City, Mo. Saturday to face Avila in Heart action at 2 p.m.
