Nwagbaraocha, Defense Leads WPU Past Haskell Indian Nations
Sarah Hansen drives to the hoop against Haskell Indians Nations on November 14.
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–Another strong fourth quarter helped the Statesmen women’s basketball team to a 55-47 non-conference win over Haskell Indian Nations Tuesday.
At 4-2, the Statesmen are off to their best six-game start in eight years, having also started 4-2 in 2009-2010. The defense once again gets the credit as William Penn limited the Indians (2-6) to just 31.4% shooting, including a 13.6% mark from behind the arc.
The teams, which were neck and neck all evening (neither led by double figures), were tied at 14-14 after the first 10 minutes of play. The hosts allowed the first two baskets of the second period, but then went on a 12-2 run and eventually led 26-22 at halftime.
WPU built its advantage to nine twice in the third, but HINU rallied to once again draw even at 35-35 with 10 minutes to play.
The Indians then scored three of the first four points to open the fourth. The navy and gold answered right back, however, with seven in a row to take the lead for good.
The visitors trimmed the margin to two on the following possession, but William Penn, which was 36.2% from the floor, had the final say with six unanswered to get back on the winning track.
The Statesmen overcame 22 turnovers (20 for HINU) and actually outscored their opponents 21-18 in points off turnovers.
Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Jr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) connected on nine of her 13 shots as she led all players with 20 points. The junior completed a double-double by also corralling 13 rebounds; WPU outrebounded Haskell Indian Nations 42-34.
Sarah Hansen (Sr., Neponset, Ill., Psychology and Human Services) was in double figures as well with 11 points, while Sham Troupe (Jr., St. Louis, Mo.) and RaChelle Parks (Jr., Grand Junction, Tenn., Computer Science) both added six points.
Parks was a spark off the bench, especially on the glass, as she pulled down 11 rebounds. Jenna Santi (Jr., Oak Creek, Wis., Elementary Education) produced four assists and matched Parks with two steals.
The victors ventured to the charity stripe just 11 times, but did not waste those chances as they made eight for a 72.7% clip.
“Our defense once again carried us,” Head Coach Steve Williamson said. “I really like how hard we are playing defensively, but we need to start producing on the offensive end as well. We need players to step up and make shots.”
Next Up: William Penn travels to Sioux Falls, S.D. Thursday to face NCAA Division II Augustana in an exhibition game at 6 p.m.
