Offense Erupts as WPU Finishes Season Sweep of Graceland
Oskaloosa–Four Statesmen reached double figures as the William Penn women’s basketball team cruised past Graceland 77-49 in Heart of America Athletic Conference action Saturday.
William Penn (5-23, 5-12 Heart), which won consecutive games for the first time this season, tallied a season high in three-pointers (15).
The hosts, who also triumphed over Graceland on the road in December, scored the first four points of the afternoon, and then with an 11-7 edge, WPU went on a 13-0 run. Leading 20-7 after the first quarter, the sides went back-and-forth in a balanced second period that saw the Statesmen head into the break with a 35-22 advantage.
William Penn connected on four trifectas in the opening quarter and then managed three more long balls in the second quarter; Zantasia White (Jr., Lubbock, Texas, Secondary Education) had four of those three-pointers. The junior finished 9-for-15 from the field (6-for-12 3-PT) en route to 24 points.
Ally Stewart (Jr., Victoria, Australia, Physical Education) was silenced prior to halftime, but got hot in the third stanza as she connected on four deep shots, including three in a row. Her efforts helped the navy and gold to a game-high 24 points in the quarter which pushed the advantage to 26 at 59-33. The home squad coasted to the win from there.
Stewart ended with those four three-pointers in a 15-point performance.
Not only did the Statesmen outshoot the Yellowjackets (5-21, 2-15 Heart) to the tune of a 45.3%-44.9% mark, they also forced 21 turnovers (15 steals) and converted them into 36 points. White and Alexis True (Fr., Frankfort, Ky., Exercise Science) both paced the victors with four steals each.
Despite being outrebounded 34-31, WPU outscored GU 17-10 in second-chance points. True and Emma Morts (Jr., Milford, Ill., Business Management) both pulled down five rebounds to lead WPU.
True also reached double figures with 11 points, while Morgan Terry (Jr., Cornersville, Tenn., Biology) was in that club as well with 10 points.
While she did not get to double digits, Amanee Clark (So., Waterloo, Iowa, Human Services) nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and a squad-best nine assists.
“Our group of ladies has kept everyone their toes this season,” Head Coach Jenna Santi said. “All of their hard work is really paying off. I am so proud to be their coach.”
Next Up: WPU remains in Oskaloosa next Wednesday to host #14 Clarke in Heart play at 5:30 p.m.
