The Lady Bruins evened their record at 2-2 with a victory over the Wesleyan College Wolves on Monday night at the Davis Field House. After a suffering a blowout loss to Mayville College on Saturday, the Bruins mounted a late fourth-quarter comeback to overcome some sloppy play and secure the win in their home opener.
"Sometimes you walk off the court and feel like you lost even though you won and sometimes you feel like you won even though you lost," Bruins Head Coach Mike LeViere said. "Although we won tonight, we need to play better. We didn't execute or play the way we were capable of playing."
In the first quarter Madison Shupe got the Bruins' offense started with a steal and breakaway layup. However, the Bruins struggled to hold onto the ball and establish their offensive rhythm. Wesleyan College took advantage of the Bruins' mistakes and took a 10-4 lead. Gracen Ledford used the foul line to keep the game within reach, sinking three free throws to keep the score close at 11-9. Thanks to consecutive short-range shots by Aubry Maulden and Nala Lawrence, Wesleyan College increased the lead to 15-9. To end the quarter, Gracen Ledford knocked down a three to narrow the margin to 15-12.
The Bruins came out in the second quarter with an early 7-0 run that was capped off by a three-point shot by Gracen Ledford. As a result, the Bruins took their first lead of the game at 19-18. Despite swinging the momentum to their side, the Bruins failed to maintain it as they could not limit their turnovers. Nala Lawrence drained a three late for Wesleyan College, and the second quarter ended with the Bruins leading 23-21 going into halftime.
Wesleyan College came out strong in the third quarter, scoring four straight points to take a 25-23 lead. After Kylee Leffew tied the game at 25-25 with a layup, Wesleyan College's offense exploded. The Wolves were able to set up Nala Lawrence and Marilynn NeSmith with quality shots and get to the free-throw line often. On the other side, the Bruins were plagued with offensive miscues, missed shots, and turnovers. With a late three by Nala Lawrence, the Bruins headed into the fourth quarter down 32-25 having scored just two points in the third quarter.
Shea Dickinson sparked the Bruins offense with a quick three to open the fourth quarter. Wesleyan College responded with a 6-0 run and increased their lead to double digits 38-28. With the game on the line, Charsie Johnson, Madison Shupe, and Delaney Edwards began the comeback for the Bruins. They led the team to a 7-0 run and brought them within 3 points of Wesleyan College 38-35.
After Wesleyan College regrouped and increased their lead to 43-38, Madison Shupe stepped up with a huge three and Kylee Leffew came up with a clutch steal and breakaway layup to tie the game at 43-43. Inside of a minute to play, the game was tied at 45-45. Madison Shupe blocked a layup attempt by Kelsey Houpt and drew a foul on the breakaway. She sealed the game by making one of two free throws, and the Wolves missed the ensuing desperation shot as the Bruins held on for a 46-45 victory.
Madison Shupe carried the offensive and defensive load with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals. The Bruins dominated the glass, ending the game with a 45-31 rebounding advantage although 22 turnovers plagued the team in the win.
Next up, the Bruins will be back home again on Saturday as they welcome Methodist College. The tip-off for the game is set for 2 p.m. at the Davis Field House.
