Article by Chad Clevenger
Wichita, Kan. - The Central Christian Women's Basketball team traveled to Wichita to take on NCAA Division 2 and MIAA member Newman University in an Exhibition game on Monday Night. The Tigers gave the Jets all they could handle, but in the end fell 75-59, despite 19 points from Chloe Clevenger.
 
A slow start to the game as the Tigers fell behind 15-5 early in the 1^st, but a 10-3 run behind 8 points in the 1^st quarter by Clevenger got the Tigers with 3 to end the 1^st quarter down 18-15. Clevenger's hot shooting kept the Tigers in the game and when she hit her 5^th 3 pointer of the half, it gave the Tigers a 33-31 lead with 50 seconds remaining in the half. The Jets drew a quick foul, and tied the game with 2 free throws. As the Tigers were playing for the last shot, The Jets were able to get the ball off a Tiger miss, and quickly hit a 2 point shot at the buzzer to go into the half with a 35-33 lead.
 
For the Tigers it was the 3 ball that kept them in the game in the 1^st half, but it was the 3 ball for the Jets in the 3^rd quarter that was the story. The Jets hit 7 shots from behind the arc deep on 9 attempts, their way to 23 points to head into the 4^th with a 14 point lead.  The Jets also adjusted their defense, and only allowed 1 three pointer from the Tigers in the 3^rd, from Charmayne Marshall.
 
Foul trouble for the Tigers got them to their bench early, and Rachel Ellis was terrific in her role as she scored a career high 8 points, on 3-4 shooting, including a big 3 in the 1^st half. Hallee Winsea added 12 points, and Charmayne Marshall nearly had a double-double with 9 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers gave the Jets quite a scare, but in the end, the Jets came out victorious 75-59.
 
Key Stat: Newman made 14 three pointers on 32 attempts, including 7-9 in the 3^rd quarter.
 
Tiger Leaders:
Points: Chloe Clevenger (19)
Rebounds: Charmayne Marshall (11)
Assists: Charmayne Marshall (5)
Steals: Chloe Clevenger (1), Charmayne Marshall (1)
Blocks: Cristina Laudan (2)
 
Coach's Comment:
"Tonight was a good exhibition game for us! It was against an NCAA Division 2 team that had some really good athletic players. It was a really good test before conference starts. We did a lot of good things and we also have some things to continue to work on! I liked our energy for the most part and really thought we rebounded better! I truly believe we are headed in a good direction."
-Coach Brad Willems
 
Next for the Tigers (2-2) is Oklahoma Panhandle State (0-3) in the Sooner Athletic Conference Opener on Thursday night in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Tip is set for 6pm and can be seen on the SAC Sports Network.