Nwagbaraocha’s 25-14 Effort Leads WPU Past Graceland

William Penn University Athletics

Lamoni–Vashti Nwagbaraocha (So., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) posted a big double-double to lead the Statesmen women’s basketball team to a 78-70 Heart of America Athletic Conference road win over Graceland Saturday.

With the victory, William Penn (16-12, 14-10 Heart) secured its first winning season since 2012-2013. The navy and gold also locked up a top-six finish in the league, therefore guaranteeing themselves of not having to compete in the play-in round.

It was a wire-to-wire affair for the visitors. The two sides exchanged baskets to start the game, but then WPU scored eight in a row and finished a strong first period up 16-9.

The Statesmen remained in control throughout with Graceland (6-21, 6-18 Heart) only able to close to within five on three occasions (once in each of the last three quarters).

The visitors owned a 43.3%-34.4% shooting edge and were much stronger on the glass as well at 48-33.

Nwagbaraocha finished the day with 25 points and 14 rebounds. She led a solid William Penn effort at the line by going 13-for-18 (team was 22-for-30). The sophomore also stole four passes.

Three other Statesmen also got into double figures, headlined by JeAnn Hiraldo (Jr., Frisco, Texas, Industrial Technology) with 12 points. Sarah Hansen (Jr., Kewanee, Ill., Psychology and Human Services), with three three-pointers, and Alyssa Phillips (Sr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications), also with nine rebounds, both contributed 11 points Saturday.

“This was a big road win against a very dangerous team; they are much better than their record would suggest,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “I told our team we have to look at the glass half-full, not half-empty; we can still finish strong!”

“Vashti had an outstanding game,” Scott added. “She put the entire team on her shoulders and carried us to the victory.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Atchison, Kan. next Wednesday to face #11 Benedictine in Heart action at 5:30 p.m.

Posted by on Feb 19 2017. Filed under College Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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