(Mesa, AZ) In a game so tight and so close, where just the slightest error can change the fortunes of a team, The Park University Gilbert women’s basketball team lost a close 59-54 contest to Simpson University at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. With the loss, the Buccaneers fall out of first place for the first time this season and do not set the record for the best conference start in school history.
The Buccaneers now have a record of 7-7 overall and 5-2 in conference.
This game could not have been any closer. Both teams made 19 field goals and five three-pointers. The difference in the game came at the free throw line where Simpson made 16 shots to only 11 for Park. Both teams had similar attempts (24-23 Simpson). but the Bucs free throw percentage (47.8) was its second worst of the season, but with significantly more attempts than its 5-12 effort against Goshen.
Park Gilbert’s troubles started in the first quarter, where the Bucs were outscored 16-8. Eight points are the Bucs lowest output in a quarter this season. Kayla Schroeder posted five of the eight points.
The Bucs turned things around in the second quarter, shooting 62 percent and outscoring the Red Hawks 23-10 to take a five-point halftime lead. Schroeder scored 11 in the quarter.
The second quarter magic disappeared during the 15 minute intermission as the Bucs struggled to make anything in the second half shooting 28 percent. The Bucs only scored 23 points total in the second half after scoring 23 points in the second quarter alone.
Schroeder scored 21 points to lead all scorers but was held to five points in the second half. Madison Chappell was the only other Buc in double figures with 11. Chappell also added seven rebounds. Jazmyne Jenkins led the team with eight rebounds.
The Bucs don’t have a lot of time to lick its wounds as they turn around to face UC Merced on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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