WPU Gets Defensive Spark in Second Half, Takes Down MVC
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa—The Statesmen women’s basketball team found itself in some unfamiliar territory on Monday night, coming off a loss. The team lost only its second game of the season Saturday at Evangel and its resiliency would be put to the test against the Missouri Valley Vikings.
William Penn (18-2, 13-2 Heart) overcame a mediocre first half with a dazzling second half of basketball to defeat Missouri Valley (8-11, 7-7 Heart), 72-49.
The navy and gold narrowly outshot their opponent from the field 39%-38% but the big difference came from beyond the arc where the ladies converted on 39% of their three-point attempts (7-18) and holding the Vikings to just 14% (2-14).
Despite a slow start for WPU offensively, the Statesmen were able to keep the Vikings close throughout the first half. Kate Ylitalo (Jr., Maple Plain, Minn. Biology) gave her team some momentum heading into the half by converting on a pair of free-throws to give William Penn the 30-29 lead with 1:15 left. After a Viking miss, Ylitalo then hit a shot and drew the foul the next time down to give her team a 32-29 lead. MVC hit a shot just before the half to cut the lead to 32-31.
They say, “a team’s best offense is a good defense” and that was the story in the second half. The Statesmen looked like a completely reenergized group in the final two quarters and it all started on the defensive end. The ladies forced 11 turnovers in the half and outscored the visitors 40-18 over the span.
Offensively, Ylitalo led the charge for the home team scoring 27 points (8-14 FG, 4-7 3P) and grabbing five rebounds.
Coming off a great performance against Evangel on Saturday, Shamiah Oliver (Sr., Chicago, Ill., Education) got the starting nod and delivered by scoring 14 points (5-7 FG, 2-4 3P) and hitting some key shots as WPU was turning the tide. Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) recorded her 10th double-double of the season, posting 11 points and 12 boards and Jenna Santi (Sr., Oak Creek, Wis., Sports Management) also managed to break into double-digits with 10 points.
“I’m really proud of our effort in the second half,” Head Coach Steve Williamson said. “Shamiah and Kate really stepped up and played great with them focusing on Vashti so much. Great team win.”
Next Up: William Penn will head to Des Moines to take on the rival Grand View Vikings on Thursday, Jan. 24 starting at 5:30 PM.
