William Penn Nearly Upends Baker, Falling 71-67 in NAIA Game of the Week
Baker avoided the upset by the Lady Statesmen on Saturday.
Oskaloosa–Even in defeat, the Statesmen women’s basketball team proved it is not going away in the league race as it pushed #10 Baker in a 71-67 Heart of America Athletic Conference setback Saturday.
The NAIA Division I Game of the Week, which included 10 ties and 11 lead changes, was incredible from start to finish. William Penn (13-7, 11-5 Heart) ended each of the first three quarters in the lead, but could not hold off the Wildcats (17-4, 15-2 Heart) in the final minutes.
The navy and gold were up 19-17 after the first period and extended their edge to 39-31 at halftime. WPU tallied the first field goal of the second half, but BU got hot with 11 in a row to lead 42-41. The Statesmen regrouped, though, to take a 48-47 advantage entering the final stanza.
William Penn started the fourth strong, pulling out to a 61-53 margin with just 3:51 remaining. Unfortunately, the Wildcats connected on a pair of three-pointers to highlight an 11-2 run to go up 64-63.
The teams exchanged buckets before the hosts tied the contest one last time at 67-67 with 15 seconds left. Baker then scored right away on a driving layup, but with eight seconds left, the Statesmen were left with an opportunity to tie or win the matchup.
William Penn failed to take advantage, though, turning the ball over on the inbounds pass. WPU fouled immediately and BU then put the game away with two more free throws.
The Statesmen were outshot 42.9%-35.8%, but countered with a 50-37 rebounding edge, highlighted by a 17-8 offensive mark that led to a 17-7 advantage in second-chance points.
Both sides had 15 turnovers and both had troubles at the charity stripe; WPU was only 15-for-27 at the line.
Jessica Warren (Sr., Park Forest, Ill., Physical Education) paced her team with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Alyssa Phillips (Sr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) and Brynesha Mosby (So., Belleville, Ill., Biology) each tallied 11 points.
Vashti Nwagbaraocha (So., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) scored five points with 11 rebounds, while ShaVonn Watkins (Sr., Peoria, Ill., Physical Education) also managed five in the scoring column.
Asia Roper (Sr., Aurora, Colo., Psychology) was an asset at the point with seven assists and four steals.
“This was a heartbreaking loss,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “Our team showed a lot of hustle and determination. I have to give Baker credit for making big shots and forcing turnovers at the end of the game. That is why they are 10th in the nation, while we are trying to break into the top 25. We must make free throws and learn how to put good teams away when we have them on their heels.”
“I am still very happy with where we are and how far we have come,” Scott added. “This was another learning experience for our team as we move forward.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Des Moines Monday to face Grand View in Heart action at 5:30 p.m.
