(Mesa, AZ) For the second time in three games, the Park University Gilbert women’s basketball team third quarter struggles cost them a chance at victory as the Buccaneers lost to OUAZ 79-70 at Legacy Sports Park.
The Bucs fall to 1-3 on the season as the Spirit up its record to 7-0.
The first two quarters showcased a tight back-and-forth affair as both teams played solid defense with the Bucs holding the Spirit to 31 percent shooting in the first half. After 35 percent shooting in the first quarter, the Bucs took a five-point lead into halftime after shooting 53 percent in the second stanza.
But Park would not hold onto the lead as OUAZ won the third quarter 21-11, shooting 50 percent, while Park found a lid on the rim, shooting 22 percent. The Spirit took a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter saw the Bucs shoot 57 percent, but OUAZ shot a blazing 73 percent to hold off a Buccaneer charge led by Kayla Schroeder and Jayla Reliford.
OUAZ outshot the Bucs from the floor 46 percent to 40 percent. Both teams made four three-point baskets and both squads shot in the mid-70 percent range from the free throw line with similar attempts.
Individually, Schroeder came within one point of tying her career high for points, as she score 28 points on the night with four rebounds and two steals. Reliford had a career-high 19 points, five assists and four steals. No other Buc scored in double figures. Jazmyne Jenkins led the team with six rebounds.
Park Gilbert starts conference play on Thursday, November 30 as they host defending conference champs Antelope Valley at 5:30 p.m. Both teams won in blowout fashion on the other team’s home court last year with UAV winning 87-66 in December, before the Bucs handed the Pioneers a 101-81 loss in Lancaster, Calif., later in the season. The Pioneers are also struggling to start the season, entering the game with a 1-4 record.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
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