Statesmen Stumble in First Half Against #8 Pioneers
William Penn University Athletics
Olathe, Kan.–By the time the William Penn women’s basketball team finally sorted things out, it was too late as it fell 85-69 to #8 MidAmerica Nazarene in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday.
The Statesmen (11-12, 8-8 Heart) fell behind 19-8 after the first quarter and trailed 40-21 by halftime. Try and they did, they could not truly threaten the Pioneers (19-4 14-2 Heart) in the last 20 minutes of play.
Down 21 points late in the third period, the visitors went on an impressive 21-8 run to get within 11 at 65-54 (7:05 left), but could draw no closer.
A 51.3% second-half clip helped WPU outshoot MNU 40.6%-38.0%, but too many other factors prevented the navy and gold from pulling the upset. The home team was tops in rebounding (50-43), three-pointers (10-3), free throws (21-10), and turnovers (14-19).
Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) had one of the best shooting efforts of her freshman campaign, making nine of her 15 field goals for a team-best 20 points.
Three of her teammates were also in double figures, including Alyssa Phillips (Jr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) with 15 in addition to three steals and a pair of blocked shots. Destiny Spinner (Sr., Saginaw, Mich., Biology) was next with 11 points (three three-pointers) and Kadejah Young (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Physical Education) posted 10. Spinner, Young, and Jenna Santi (Fr., Oak Creek, Wis., Elementary Education) all finished with four assists.
Dezarea Duckworth (So., Bryant, Ark., Exercise Science) contributed seven points in the loss.
“We cannot afford to come out flat against one of the best teams in the country,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “We played better in the second half, but good teams will not let you back in it. I was still quite satisfied with our effort in the second half.”
Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host Culver-Stockton (Mo.) in Heart play at 5:30 p.m.
