Women's Basketball | 1/6/2011 10:55:58 PM
Box Score
Box Score
McPherson, Kan. – Despite forcing the Moundbuilders into 27 turnovers, the McPherson College women’s basketball team fell just short as Southwestern defeated the Bulldogs 50-48 Thursday night at the McPherson Sport Center.
With the loss, McPherson falls to 3-12 overall and 1-4 in conference play, while the Builders improve to 10-4 and 3-2.
Both sides struggled with possession in the first half, as the Bulldogs forced the Builders into 16 turnovers, but committed 13 of their own. Despite the sloppy play, McPherson connected on 39.3 percent (11-of-28) of its shots to take a 26-21 lead into the break.
However, McPherson went cold early in the second half going nearly 10 minutes without a field goal as the Builders held a 44-35 lead with 6:17 remaining. Regardless of slow start, the Bulldogs chipped away at SWC’s lead pulling within two after Brooke Weisenburger (Gardner, Kan.) buried a wide-open three pointer, 46-48.
After forcing a Southwestern turnover, McPherson had an opportunity to tie the game as Elice Frey (Riley, Kan.) was sent to the line. Frey would connect on one of two free throws to make it a 48-47 Southwestern advantage. However, McPherson was unable to net the go-ahead basket as Southwestern came away with the victory.
On the night, McPherson shot 31.5 percent (17-of-54) from the field and 62.5 percent (10-of-16) from the free throw line. Senior guard Kristen Ozbun (Rose Hill, Kan.) tallied a team-high 12 points, three rebounds and three steals, while Tori Verdieck (New Castle, Colo.) tallied eight points in the effort.
Southwestern’s Zefiryn Bryan led the team with 14 points, while Brett Bates tallied 12 of her own.
McPherson returns to action on Saturday night when they host Tabor College. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the McPherson Sport Center.
