Strong start fades for DC at Lawrence Tech

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - After holding the lead until the final seconds of the first half, the Defiance Yellow Jackets dropped a 64-49 contest to the Lawrence Tech Blue Devils at Don Ridler Field House on Wednesday.

The Yellow Jackets (3-9, 0-5 WHAC) came out of the gates and built a 14-point lead by the end of the first quarter, forcing Lawrence Tech into 8 turnovers. Shaunie Little posted 10 points in the opening quarter, including 4 at the free throw line. However, the Blue Devils (3-7, 2-3 WHAC) raced back with a 19-4 second quarter to capture the lead just before halftime. DC went 2-for-16 in the quarter with numerous missed layups and committed 7 turnovers, while the Blue Devils took advantage of 8 Defiance fouls and went 9-for-10 at the line and gobbled up 15 rebounds.

Defiance were unable to shake the shooting woes in the third, going 1-for-6 from the field but converted 9 makes at the charity stripe. The Blue Devils pushed their lead out to as many as 19 points in the fourth.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Shaunie Little led the Jackets with 15 points and 4 steals.
• Jourdyn Wynn posted 10 points and a team-best 8 rebounds.
• Morgan Crowe was the top contributor off the bench with 9 points and 6 boards.
• Defiance shot 23 percent for the game after starting 9-for-21 from the floor, going 6-for-44 in the final 3 quarters.
• The Yellow Jackets used the free throw line to stay within striking distance, hitting 17-of-25 attempts. DC also rebounded well with LTU hauling in just 2 more than the Jackets.
• DC was plagued by 29 turnovers and 28 personal fouls. Lawrence Tech sank 28-of-32 free throw attempts and scored 27 points off turnovers.

UP NEXT
The Yellow Jackets travel to UNOH on Saturday for a WHAC doubleheader with the men's team. The women's tipoff against the Racers is scheduled for 1 p.m. at The Garage.

-JACKETS-