(Mesa, AZ) The Park University Gilbert women’s basketball team (2-7) depleted due to injuries, lost its seventh straight game as they fell 74-62 to Kansas Wesleyan University (8-6) at Bell Bank Park in Mesa.
The Buccaneers struggled to find offense, shooting 39 percent from the floor and could not find the range from beyond the arc only making two three-point shots all game. The Coyotes made eight more shots from the floor and made 46 percent of their attempts. They only made five three-pointers, but took advantage of the Buccaneer turnovers, turning 19 miscues into 24 points, while the Bucs were only able to convert KWU’s 18 turnovers into 15 points.
The first half was nip and tuck as both teams struggled to find their way offensively. KWU led after one quarter 13-11 and then both teams scored 15 points in the second quarter as the Coyotes went into the locker room at half time up 28-26.
So far this year, the when the Buccaneers are even or lose the scoring battle in the third period, the end result has been a loss. Park Gilbert was on the short end of the scoring again tonight as KWU outscored Park 17-12 in the third frame. This meant the Bucs were going to have to overcome a seven-point deficit in the fourth.
The Bucs had their best shooting quarter of the game (47%) and posted 24 points. But while they stepped things up offensively, they could not get the defensive stops they needed on the other end of the floor and the Coyotes scored 29 points themselves to up the winning margin to 12 at the end of the game.
Kianna Turenne who set a career high with 17 points on Saturday against Benedictine Mesa, continued to shine on the offensive end of the floor, setting a new career high with 21 points today. She also added a career high nine rebounds, which is an impressive feat for a player only standing at 5-5 and being asked to play in the post against opponents 5-6 inches taller. Undaunted, Turenne drove hard to the basket initiating contact and if she didn’t score, she got to the line where she hit nine of the 10 free throws.
Macy Markus who has had a tough time finding the range as of late, got back to her scoring ways with 18 points on the day. Madison Chappell also chipped in with nine points and eight rebounds. Jayla Reliford led the team with five assists.
The Bucs now have 10 days to work on its deficiencies and hopefully get healthy as they will travel to Lake Wales, Fla., to take part in the Warner Classic on December 30-31. They take on host Warner in the first game on Dec.30 before playing Ave Maria on New Years Eve. Park will then jump right back into conference play on the road January 3 against in-state rival Embry Riddle.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
Click on Logo
