WPU Hangs on for 75-70 Win Over Avila
The Statesmen women’s basketball team did just enough to pick up a much-needed Heart of America Athletic Conference win, defeating Avila 75-70 Thursday.
Oskaloosa–The Statesmen women’s basketball team did just enough to pick up a much-needed Heart of America Athletic Conference win, defeating Avila 75-70 Thursday.
William Penn (14-8, 12-6 Heart) snapped its two-game losing streak, and courtesy of Benedictine’s win over MidAmerica Nazarene, the navy and gold are once again tied for fourth in the league.
WPU trailed 16-11 late in the first quarter, but reeled off seven in a row to lead 18-16 after 10 minutes of play. The teams exchanged buckets over the next two minutes before the hosts claimed the advantage for good at 24-23 as part of 10-0 run. The lead grew to 13 before Avila (6-15, 5-14 Heart) closed with eight unanswered to make it a 40-35 contest at the half.
The third quarter witnessed both teams going on mini-runs, but with 10 minutes remaining in regulation, the Statesmen edge was still five at 57-52. As they did the entire evening, the hosts answered every AU threat, including the final one that drew the Eagles to within two at 67-65 with 1:11 to go.
William Penn fortunately scored on three straight possessions over the next 39 seconds and posted three consecutive defensive stops to finally put the game on ice.
The Eagles’ Raven Bunn had a huge night with 37 points, but the Statesmen neutralized the rest of the squad, outshooting AU 41.3%-39.3%.
The Statesmen were victorious despite being outrebounded 40-37 and allowing more three-pointers (4-2) and free throw (22-21). The victors did force the Eagles into 24 turnovers (16 for WPU), though, which led to a 16-14 margin in points off turnovers.
Alyssa Phillips (Sr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) topped William Penn with 16 points in addition to three blocks.
Sarah Hansen (Jr., Kewanee, Ill., Psychology and Human Services), with 11 points, and Keshunda Williams (Fr., Chicago, Ill., Business Management), with 10 points, also reached double figures.
Vashti Nwagbaraocha (So., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) tallied nine points with three steals, while Asia Roper (Sr., Aurora, Colo., Psychology) and Kate Ylitalo (Fr., Maple Plain, Minn., Biology) managed eight points apiece. Ylitalo assisted on four baskets as well.
JeAnn Hiraldo (Jr., Frisco, Texas, Industrial Technology) contributed six points alongside a team-high nine rebounds.
“We made some changes to our lineup to try and get more scoring from the perimeter,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “Our younger players responded well and we will continue to help them along. This was a big win; it is nice to get back on track.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Springfield, Mo. Saturday to face Evangel in Heart action at 12 p.m.
