Free Throws Make the Difference in Jackets' First Loss

ADRIAN, Mich. – The Lady Jackets lost an 84-77 decision to Adrian College in the championship game of the Adrian Tip-off Tournament on Saturday, November 21. The loss is the first of the year for the Jackets and drops them to 2-1 on the season.

Two quick fouls forced the Jackets to take out Mandie White just three minutes into the game but the team was up to the challenge and took an early seven-point lead, thanks in large part to the hot shooting of point guard Tasha Stucke, who ended the first half with nine points and two assists.

Adrian's Elysia Norris helped the Bulldog's climb back into the game with a game-high 12 points at half, to go along with four rebounds, helping Adrian eventually go up by five with a minute left in the half. DC's Molly Bateman nailed a clutch three-pointer with four seconds left on the clock to cut the Jacket's deficit to two points going into the break.

Adrian jumped out to an early seven point lead in the second half but the Jackets fought back, capitalizing on three consecutive three-point plays to reclaim the lead at the 14:00 mark. A flurry of goals by both teams ensued, resulting in a 57-57 tie midway through the second period.

Multiple trips to the free-throw line helped the Bulldog's claim their largest advantage, an eight-point lead, with six minutes remaining. Defiance came back to tie the game at the 3:35 mark, but the Bulldogs responded by going on an extended seven-point run to finish the game and claim the Adrian Tournament title.

The Jackets sent Adrian to the free throw line 41 times, resulting in 28 points for the Bulldogs. Stucke led Defiance with 15 points to go along with three assists in the game. White posted ten points and seven rebounds for the Jackets while Bateman had her best game of the season, recording ten points and two steals in the contest.

White and Courtney Schmersal were each named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Yellow Jackets (2-1) will play at Hope College (3-0) on Tuesday, November 24, before returning home to host HCAC foe Anderson University on Wednesday, December 2.