Oilers Slip on the Road Against #24 Kentucky Wesleyan
Owensboro, Ky. – The University of Findlay women's basketball team fell back to the .500 mark on the season after a 79-65 loss on the road against #24 Kentucky Wesleyan on Thursday, Feb. 6. The Oilers rea now 11-11 on the year and have a 7-5 mark in Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) play while the Panthers improve to a gaudy 22-1 overall with a 13-1 record in conference action. The win was KWC's 31st consecutive win on their home floor.
These two teams met in Findlay just two and a half weeks ago in a game that saw the Panthers pull away late to secure an 11-point victory. Thursday's game was similar as KWC's lead was less than ten heading into halftime (37-28). That lead continued to grow throughout the second half as the Oilers failed to gain ground, ultimately taking the loss, their fifth against a ranked opponent this season.
As has been the case for much of the season, Findlay's opponents were not shy about taking shots from deep. The Panthers chucked up 44 three-point attempts, making 16, to help earn the win. But the biggest factor in the game was not on offense, but defense. The Oilers were forced into 26 turnovers which turned into 26 points. On the flip side, KWC turned the ball over just 12 times, leading to 15 points for Findlay.
The Orange and Black were led in scoring by sophomore Sydney Kin who picked up 12 points and six rebounds, but turned the ball over seven times. Sophomore Amber Schweiger and freshman Rachel Cooke, who made three shots from beyond the arc. both scored in double-figures, as well, contributing 11 and 10 points, respectively. Schweiger had four assists while senior Lauren Ruth, who scored two points, had three assists.
Sophomore Paige Bellman scored seven points while sophomore Lilly Simon chipped in six.
Findlay stays on the road as they head to Nashville, Tn. on Saturday, Feb. 8 for a contest against the Trevecca Nazarene Trojans. That game will tip off at 3:00 pm EST.