FORT WAYNE, IND. — Indiana Wesleyan Women's Basketball narrowly defeated Saint Francis (Ind.) 81-65, on Saturday with a strong defensive effort in the final minutes. After falling behind 58-56 on a Cougar layup with less than two minutes left in the game, IWU recorded three straight defensive stops and converted those stops into four points to secure the two point upset victory. The Wildcats hit 12 three-pointers, shooting 41.4 percent from beyond the arc, to secure the victory. Indiana Wesleyan is the only team to beat USF this season, earning their second win over the sixth ranked Cougars. The win also marks the longest win streak of the season for the Wildcats at four consecutive wins.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Location: Fort Wayne, Ind. | Hutzell Athletic Center
- Records: IWU: 13-9, 6-5 | USF: 20-2, 10-2
- NAIA Top-25 Rankings: IWU - RV | USF - #6
FIRST QUARTER
- The red and grey opened with a 3-pointer from Addi Hovey at 9:12 to take an early lead.
- The Cougars responded with a 5-point sequence, including a layup by Julia Mantyla at 6:31, to establish a 5-point advantage.
- Addi Hovey's fastbreak layup at 5:28 sparked a scoring surge for IWU, leading to a tied game at 11.
- A late 3-pointer by Ayla Krygier at 1:42 helped Indiana Wesleyan secure an 18–16 lead heading into the second quarter.
SECOND QUARTER
- Indiana Wesleyan established a six-point lead early in the quarter, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Kylie Bettinger at 7:02.
- USF responded with a series of plays, including a 3-pointer by Cali Gregory at 3:46, giving them a brief one-point lead.
- The red and grey regained momentum with a 3-pointer by Kylie Bettinger at 1:54, followed by a layup from Addi Hovey at 1:05, to close the quarter.
- The quarter ended with both teams tied, 31–31.
THIRD QUARTER
- Saint Francis opened with a quick 3-pointer at 9:39 by Julia Mantyla, assisted by Taylor Fordyce, shifting momentum early.
- The Wildcats answered with a 3-pointer from Ayla Krygier at 7:08, tying the game at 34.
- Renna Schwieterman of the Cougars responded with crucial layups, including one at 6:00, helping regain a slim lead.
- Indiana Wesleyan trailed 44–42 at the end of the third quarter.
FOURTH QUARTER
- IWU opened the quarter with a tying jumper by Ayla Krygier at 8:58, bringing the score to 44–44.
- The Cougars took a 4-point lead at 6:11 with a layup by Cali Gregory, assisted by Isabella Gizzi, making it 50–46.
- Emily Mattingly tied the game at 56–56 with a key 3-pointer at 2:14.
- Indiana Wesleyan secured the win with a late layup by Mattingly, closing the game at 60–58
KEY WILDCATS
LOOKING AHEAD
- The Wildcats are back in Luckey Arena next Wednesday, taking on Huntington at 5:00 PM.
- Tickets can be purchased at IWUWildcats.com
- Links for video and stats will be available at IWUWildcats.com
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