SPRING ARBOR, MI – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team played the toughest week on their schedule and while the record didn't show it, the Lady Cougars played with a lot of heart, and grit and never backed down from their two highly ranked opponents in #1 St. Francis and today's #5 ranked Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. The Cougars had chances late in the second half against IWU to stay in contention against the Wildcats, but fell 36-50.
For the game, Spring Arbor shot just 29% from the field on 14-48 shooting including a very disappointing 1-14 (7%) from 3-point range.
Trailing the Wildcats 17-28 at the half, the Cougars couldn't get the motors running early in the second half as they fell behind further 20-41 before things started to click for Spring Arbor.
Field goals by Kylie Townsley, Jessica Mabry, Carlie Newman, and a 3-pointer by LeAnn Porter cut into IWU's lead and the Cougars trailed by 13 (30-43 with 9:18 remaining . over the next four minutes, a pair of free throws by Mabry and a bucket by Rachel Driesenga and staunch defense by the Cougar cut even further into the Wildcats and Spring Arbor had life with 4:53 to go and 34-43 deficit to deal with.
After trading baskets with IWU, and the score 36-45, the Cougars well would run completely dry over the last 4:05 as Spring Arbor couldn't find a single point the rest of the way. Despite a half dozen decent looks by the Cougars, the scoring would end as time ran out 36-50.
Kylie Townsley led all scorers in the game with 12 points in the defensive battle. Carlie Newman added eight for the Cougars. Rachel Driesenga hauled in a game high nine rebounds.
Spring Arbor falls to 9-10 on the season and 3-5 in the Crossroads League while the Wildcats improve to 17-3 and 7-1. The Cougars will host the 4-4 (CL) Marian Knights on Wednesday night at 7:00 on Bockwitz Court for an important Crossroads League Tilt. Marian lost to St. Francis today 73-66 and with Grace falling to Huntington in OT the Cougars could battle their way into the top half of the CL standings with a win over Marian on Wednesday night.
