Oilers Fall Short of Upset | Drop Game to Ashland
Findlay, Ohio- The University of Findlay women's basketball team suffered a 73-61 loss tonight, Dec. 1 to #2 Ashland University in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) opener. Findlay who held their own for most of the game falls to 3-3 while Ashland remains unbeaten at 7-0.
While the Oilers started the contest trailing by five, they quickly found a rhythm and made up the five to find themselves tied with the second ranked team in Division II. Findlay, who many considered to be the vast underdog, went on a run of their own to take a six point lead in the first quarter. The Oilers took the lead at the six minute mark of the first quarter and would hold that lead for the next 14 minutes of play. With six seconds left in the second quarter, Ashland's Savaya Brockington made a layup to put the Eagles up one heading into the half.
The third quarter was once again back-and-forth as the game was tied six times within the ten minute period. Both Ashland and Findlay scored seventeen points in the quarter leaving the Eagles once again, up by one heading into the fourth quarter.
Ashland then proceeded to prove why they are one of the best teams in the nation as they held the Oilers to just nine points in the fourth quarter. The Eagles forced nine turnovers in the period to record 20 points of their own and win the contest by 12.
On the night, the Oilers connected on 23-of-45 (.511) from the floor including 7-of-14 (.500) from deep. Ashland hit 24-of-60 (.400) from the field and just 9-of-32 (.281) from three-point range. Findlay recorded 29 rebounds while Ashland grabbed 30. Turnovers haunted the Oilers as they recorded 22 on the night leading to sixteen points for the Eagles on the turnovers alone.
The Oilers were led by sophomore Chloe Callahan who recorded a career-high 16 points. The Columbus, Ohio native also added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Junior Kate Ellis put together a strong performance as well as she added ten points and led the team in rebounds, grabbing eight. Senior Rachel Cooke added nine points as she went 3-of-3 from deep.
Ashland was led by Morgan Yoder who recorded 17 points.
The Oilers will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 3 as they travel to Malone University to take on the Pioneers in a G-MAC matchup.