The Illinois Tech Women’s Basketball team closed out the 2016-17 season on February 23, hosting the Red Lions of Lincoln Christian University. The Scarlet Hawks had a strong second half, but could not overcome a sluggish start, falling 43-36.

How it Happened

• Illinois Tech’s play was sloppy early on, as the team committed seven first quarter turnovers. LCU built up a 12-2 lead over the first seven minutes and led 17-6 after one.
• In the second quarter, the Red Lions continued to add to the lead. Illinois Tech trailed 29-13 at halftime.
• Illinois Tech turned the tables quickly in the third quarter. After LCU opened the half with a jump shot, the Scarlet Hawks went on a 10-0 run over the next 2:22. Illinois Tech managed to cut the lead down to six at one point and ended up trailing 38-29 after three.
• Both teams struggled offensively in the fourth quarter. A Madison Davis jumper with 5:16 to go brought Illinois Tech to within three at 40-35, but that would be the last made field goal for the Hawks. Illinois Tech’s defense stood strong and held the Red Lions scoreless over the final 2:58, but an Erin Efimoff free throw with 2:41 to play was the last point for either team in the contest.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Efimoff was strong off the bench, scoring all nine of her points in the second half. She also shot 50% (four-of-eight) from the floor.
• Venika Jarvis (eight points, 11 rebounds, two steals) and Kaylee Wicka (seven points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three blocks) narrowly missed double-doubles.
• Davis had seven points to go along with eight rebounds.

Stats to Know

• The charity stripe was a determining factor in the matchup. Illinois Tech shot just 33.3% on nine-of-27 shooting, while the Red Lions were six-of-13 (46.2%).
• The Scarlet Hawks out rebounded the Red Lions 48-40.
• Illinois Tech committed 23 turnovers compared to LCU’s 17.