GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Davenport women's basketball team was trying to make it back-to-back wins in the GLIAC on Monday afternoon. The Panthers welcomed Saginaw Valley State in a make-up game that was postponed due to the winter weather on Jan. 13. Saginaw Valley State came out with a full-court press from the tip and did not let up for the entire game. That type of pressure seemed to wear down the Panthers stamina and in the end it was a 68-51 decision in favor of the Cardinals. The first and fourth quarters belonged to the Panthers as they outscored the Cardinals. The advantage was 14-13 after the first quarter and 16-14 in the fourth quarter. However, the middle two quarters were a greater advantage for SVSU who outscored the Panthers 41-21.
The Cardinals finished the game shooting 49 percent which was one percentage point off their season high as a team. SVSU connected on 25-of-51 from the floor and also were 15-of-17 from the free throw line. Davenport shot 36.4 percent (20-of-55) from the floor including 7-of-20 from the arc. They did not get to the foul line much finishing 4-of-8. It was a tough and physical game with 20 fouls against DU compared to 12 for the Cardinals. The Cardinals were able to outscore the Panthers 38-24 in the paint and 21-12 off turnovers.
Aleshia Jones led all players with 22 points for the Cardinals. She went 10-of-10 from the foul line and also had three rebounds and two steals. The Panthers were led by
Ellie Toney with 13 points on 5-of-9 shooting. She grabbed five rebounds and also had one assist and one blocked shot.
Makenna Bryant added eight points off the bench connecting on two triples and two free throws in 16-plus minutes.
Jaci Walker added seven points on 3-of-4 shooting off the bench in 10-plus minutes.
The Panthers are back at home on Thursday, Jan. 25 against Parkside beginning at 5:30 PM.
