Statesmen Fail to Claim Upset of Defending National Champs
William Penn University Athletics
Olathe, Kan.–The William Penn women’s basketball team stood tall against #5 MidAmerica Nazarene Wednesday, but came up just short in a 68-65 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss.
The Statesmen (8-5, 6-3 Heart) gave the Pioneers (10-2, 9-0 Heart) all they could handle, including leading by one with only six minutes left. Unfortunately, MNU remained perfect in league action by executing just enough plays down the stretch.
Down three inside a minute to go, the visitors were turned away on their end, and a home basket put the contest out of reach.
WPU battled all night in a matchup that featured seven ties and 14 lead changes. The Statesmen were up 18-16 after the first quarter and continued to hold a two-point advantage at 33-31 at intermission. MidAmerica Nazarene evened the score at 50-50 after 30 minutes and held on to stay alone atop the Heart standings.
Sarah Hansen (Jr., Kewanee, Ill., Psychology and Human Services) hit a handful of long balls en route to a game-high 22 points. Her five trifectas led William Penn to a 7-2 edge in three-pointers.
Alyssa Phillips (Sr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) was right behind her in the scoring column with 20, while also pulling down 10 rebounds for a double-double performance. The senior stole two passes as well as William Penn’s defensive effort forced the Pioneers into 16 turnovers. Down the stretch, however, the navy and gold had their own ball control issues and finished with 18 turnovers, but still outscored MNU 14-13 in points off turnovers.
While it was outshot 41.0%-35.8%, the difference maker came on the glass. The home squad bettered the Statesmen just 46-40, but doubled them up 18-9 in second-chance points.
Tyra Johnson (So., Calumet City, Ill., Undecided) tallied six points and two blocks, while Helena Rodriguez (Sr., Zion, Ill., Sociology) controlled the point well in her season debut as she dished out five assists alongside four points in 15 minutes off the bench.
“I was taught not to try and grow too fast as a coach,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “If we had won this game, I am not sure what would have happened. In order to beat the defending national champions, you have to play great for 40 minutes and unfortunately we only played great for 39. I have to give MNU credit for holding on and making huge plays on both ends in the last minute. They are definitely one of the best teams in the country.”
“I am very proud of our ladies for fighting with everything in their bellies,” Scott added. “I love this team.”
Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Saturday to host Graceland in Heart action at 2 p.m.
