Statesmen Give #7 Benedictine Fight on Road

William Penn Women’s Athletics

Atchison, Kan.–Defense kept the William Penn women’s basketball team in Saturday’s matchup against #7 Benedictine, but turnovers were too much to overcome in a 66-56 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss.

The Statesmen (7-10, 4-6 Heart) were outshot just 36.9%-35.4% (one made shot was the difference) and owned a 44-39 edge in rebounding, but their 19 turnovers were converted into 22 Raven points.

Benedictine (16-2, 8-2 Heart) led the entire way, including holding a 33-22 halftime advantage. WPU did cut into the deficit by outscoring its host 19-14 in the third period. Unfortunately, down just 44-41 late in the third, the navy and gold gave up 10 straight points to BC and were unable to threaten in the waning minutes.

The Statesmen were effective at the line (8-for-10), but continued to struggle behind the arc (2-for-15). Conversely, the Ravens connected on eight three-pointers.

Alyssa Phillips (Jr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) tied for the game high in points with 19 on 9-for-14 shooting. The rest of her teammates went 14-for-51.

Shannika Bryant (Jr., Chicago, Ill., Exercise Science) was WPU’s next-highest scorer with nine points, while Destiny Spinner (Sr., Saginaw, Mich., Biology) hit both of the team’s trifectas en route to eight points.

Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) and Jenna Santi (Fr., Oak Creek, Wis., Elementary Education) both contributed six points; Nwagbaraocha also managed 10 rebounds and three assists. Asia Roper (Jr., Aurora, Colo., Psychology) blocked three Raven shots in the loss.

“Benedictine is a solid team,” Head Coach Willie Scott said. “We have to improve at contesting three-point shooters, but I do believe we are getting better overall.”

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Wednesday to host Graceland in Heart play at 5:30 p.m.