Wildcats Top Oilers 71-66
The University of Findlay women's basketball team suffered a tough loss to Northern Michigan University on Dec. 14 in Croy Gymnasium, losing 71-66 to the Wildcats.
The Oilers were up 35-31 at the break and increased their lead to 12 points when they opened the second period on an 8-0 run. The Oilers were unable to keep their distance from the Wildcats however as NMU went on a 23-10 spurt to take a 54-53 lead with just over ten minutes to play.
After trading baskets for the next nine minutes, the Oilers found themselves down 67-64 with only a minute remaining in the game. Sophomore forward Margaret Wuebker then converted a jumper in the lane and was fouled, but she missed the free throw to make the score 67-66 in favor of the Wildcats.
NMU sunk a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession and freshman guard Karli Bonar missed a three point attempt, which would have tied the game. The Wildcats then added two more free throws down the stretch for the final points of the contest.
The Oilers shot 41 percent (25-of-61) from the floor and canned 10-of-24 (41.7%) shot attempts from behind the three point line in the game. Northern Michigan meanwhile made 44.4 percent (24-of-54) of their field goal attempts and swished 10-of-23 (43.5%) three point tries.
Wuebker led the way with a career-high 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting. She also grabbed seven boards and blocked two shots in the game.
Bonar recorded nine points while senior guard Karli Beasley had five points, five assists and five rebounds.
Lauren Gruber led Northern Michigan with 16 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Oilers will return to action next week when they travel to Florida to battle St. Thomas at 4 p.m.