MARION, Ind. - No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan women's basketball kicked off their 2021-22 season Thursday hosting the Saints of Aquinas College. IWU imposed their will early and often leading the entire 40-minutes in a 71-51 Wildcat victory. Tonight, marks the third straight season the Wildcats open their season up with a victory. 

WHAT HAPPENED

• It was a sloppy first 10 minutes for the Wildcats committing six turnovers. Despite the turnovers, IWU shot 53% while grabbing 11 rebounds, six more than the Saints. Indiana Wesleyan led by as many as 12 before being cut to four. The Wildcats would use a 12-4 run to start the second quarter building their lead back to ten. They would head to the locker room with their largest lead thus far at 14. 
• At the half, IWU shot 47% from the field while both teams struggled from deep, both shooting 28%.
• The boards were owned by the red & gray after 20, out-rebounding Aquinas 23-13.
• Wildcats outscored the Saints in the third quarter 19-14 and had a comfortable 18-point lead heading into the final quarter.
• In the fourth quarter, Wildcats led by as much as 24 points despite shooting 18.8% from the floor.

INSIDE THE BOX

• IWU out shot Aquinas by a mere 37%-35% from the floor. Wildcats connected on seven shots from behind the arc to Saints three.
• Three Wildcats found themselves in double digits tonight. Jordan Reid led the way with 15 points, Kelli Damman with 14, and Jade Nutley with 11. Damman connected on 4-6 shooting effort from behind the arc.
• Wildcats controlled the boards with a 43-37 advantage.
• Baylie VanDyke and Reid led the rebounding efforts with six boards a piece.

NEXT TIME OUT

• Wildcats travel to Madonna University on Tuesday, November 2 for a 5:30pm tip off.