McPherson, KS – The women's basketball team hosted their first SAC game of the year, with #5 Oklahoma City Univ. Stars coming to the Jerry Alexander Arena.
OCU has established themselves as a top SAC opponent and has been sharing the throne with Wayland Baptist since the Tigers moved into the conference. The Ladies knew they would have a challenge ahead of themselves today. On the bright side, the Tigers have already played 10 games compared to the Stars who are debuting their season today.
In the beginning of the 1
st period the Stars scored 10 unanswered points to quickly set themselves ahead of the Tigers. Stars would have the momentum and clear advantage through the first 5 minutes as they held a comfortable 22-6 lead. The Lady Tigers would turn on another gear and start to flip the script. They would end the 1
st period on an 11- 5 run to get within 10 points after a sluggish start.
After a good comeback to end the 1
st the Lady Tigers picked right back up and scored 5 unanswered to get within 5 points of the #5 team in the NAIA. Both teams would go and trade baskets for a couple of possessions and the Stars would get their lead back to double digits, but the determination and hustle from the Tigers would keep them right on the heels of the Stars. Twice the Tigers would get within a possession of the Stars and really start to pressure them. Tigers would outscore #5 OCU 19-18 in the period and go into half down 36-45.
The 2
nd half wouldn't be as kind to the Tigers as they would shoot 17% from the floor and be outscored 47-22 by the Stars who would show why they're ranked #5. Tiger's shooters would fall flat as the Stars would shoot over 50% from the floor. The Ladies drop to 2-9 on the season and 0-4 SAC.
The Tigers did happen to hold the advantage over the Stars in the rebound category 49-47. Another highlight would be coming from an unlikely place today. Off the bench
Alison Kulesza would lead Tiger scorers with 13. She would count for half of the bench points and is starting to play a key role in the Tiger offense.
"The team did a great job rebounding and showed that we can win the battle on the boards. Unfortunately OCU shot better than 50% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc."
"Our entire team made progress today and I am proud of their togetherness and their efforts"
Tigers will be back in action Tuesday, January 26
th when they go to Coyle, OK to take on Langston University.
Go Tigers!
#Ambush
