Phillips Posts Double-Double, but Frigid Statesmen Fall to Culver-Stockton
William Penn University Athletics
Canton, Mo.–Alyssa Phillips (Sr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) did her part, but it was too little as the William Penn women’s basketball team had its winning streak snapped in a 78-62 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss to Culver-Stockton Saturday.
William Penn (7-4, 6-2 Heart), which lost for the first time in five outings, hit only 29.3% of its shots, while permitting the Wildcats (5-6, 4-4 Heart) to make 45.8% of their tries.
The visitors were locked in a tight matchup early, leading 11-9 with 3:31 to go in the first quarter. Unfortunately, C-SC scored 11 straight and never trailed again.
The navy and gold were almost put out the game in the second frame, but scored the final six points to draw within six at 34-28 by halftime. They would get no closer, however, as Culver-Stockton posted a 26-12 edge in the third period and rolled to the win.
Saturday’s contest was decided in the shooting columns (WPU had four fewer three-pointers and two fewer free throws), but the Statesmen tried to stay close as they owned a 15-6 margin in points off turnovers (forced C-SC into 21 mistakes). William Penn also held a 19-14 mark in second-chance points despite being outrebounded 47-43.
As aforementioned, Phillips had a big outing, scoring 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting (6-for-7 FT) in addition to 14 rebounds for a double-double.
Sarah Hansen (Jr., Kewanee, Ill., Psychology and Human Services) also reached double figures with 10 points, while Vashti Nwagbaraocha (So., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) accounted for eight points and three steals. JeAnn Hiraldo (Jr., Frisco, Texas, Industrial Technology) added eight points as well.
“After practicing the last couple days, I knew we were in trouble today,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “We looked exhausted and rightfully so. We stress academics first and after finals were over we just did not have anything left. We have to bounce back and win on Monday to send them home for a long, well-deserved break.”
Next Up: William Penn closes its pre-holiday slate Monday by hosting #23 Lindenwood-Belleville at 5:30 p.m.
