The Illinois Tech Women’s Basketball team hosted the Mount Mary University Blue Angels February 21 at the Keating Sports Center for Senior Night. The Hawks mounted an 11-point comeback in the fourth quarter but were not able to hold on as the Blue Angels came out on top 55-54.
How It Happened
- It was a back-and-forth first quarter, as both teams traded baskets up until the two minute mark when the Blue Angels took an 11-6 lead. Two consecutive baskets by Kaylee Wicka cut down the deficit as the Hawks trailed 13-12 at the end of the first.
- The second quarter saw more of the same, but this time around, Illinois Tech was able to build a 24-16 lead with 2:24 left in the half. The Angels, lead by Jess Runge, climbed back into the game, trailing only by two (26-24) at halftime.
- The Hawks started the second half flat-footed and the Blue Angels hit from downtown. Mount Mary’s Brooke Uebersetzig went four-of-four (12 points) from three-point range to give the Blue Angels a 49-38 lead at the end of the third.
- Illinois Tech turned up the defense in the fourth quarter and started to heat up from the field, cutting the lead down to one (49-48) with 6:24 left in the game. Two free throws by Wicka gave the Hawks a one point lead with 1:57 left, but the Angels regained the lead with 23 seconds left on the clock and ultimately claimed victory.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
- Wicka led all scorers with 22 points (seven-of-19) and had a double-double. She grabbed 12 rebounds to go along with two steals and two assists.
- Senior Venika Jarvis had a game-high 13 rebounds, scored eight points (four-of-seven), and tallied two blocks.
- Raiven Johnson had an effective game from the field going four-of-six for nine points. She packed the stat sheet, grabbing five rebounds and tallying four assists.
- Senior April Wanagas played 23 minutes, scoring seven points and grabbing three rebounds.
Stats to Know
- The Hawks shot a better percentage from the field, going 20-of-63 (31.7%) compared to the Blue Angels’ 17-of-57 (29.8%).
- Illinois Tech grabbed 13 more rebounds (51) than Mount Mary (38), leading to 13 second chance points (10 more than the Blue Angels’ 3).
- The Hawks shot 64.3% from the charity stripe (nine-of-14). The Angels shot an effective 77.8% (14-of-18).
Up Next
- The Scarlet Hawks will play the final game of the season on Wednesday, February 23 versus Lincoln Christian at the Keating Sports Center. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. Live video and stats will be available; live audio will be provided by the Illinois Media School.