GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The women's basketball team wasn't able to finish the season sweep against Saginaw Valley State on Thursday in a 78-47 defeat at the DU Student Center. The loss dramatically hurts their chances at qualifying for the final spot in the GLIAC Tournament. The Panthers entered the day two games back of the Cardinals with four games to play in the regular season.
The Panthers could not find their offensive rhythm from the start going 3-of-10 from the floor including 1-of-6 from behind the arc in the first quarter. The Cardinals doubled up Davenport 14-7 in the first quarter and shot 42.9 percent from the floor.
The Panthers led for just 23 seconds in the contest and there were two lead changes. Davenport led 3-2 and then never again. The Panthers were held scoreless for five minutes in the first quarter as the Cardinals went on a 6-0 run during that stretch.
In the second quarter, DU clawed back to within 19-15 at the 5:34 mark after a
Jada McCree three-pointer. SVSU then would go on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 27-15 with 3:16 left in the quarter. In the third quarter, the Cardinals were able to further extend their lead to 55-33 by shooting 50 percent (5-of-10) from the floor and were also 10-of-12 at the free throw line.
The Panthers scored fewer than 50 points for the seventh time this season and finished the game shooting 30.2 percent overall. The Cardinals had a 32-18 edge in the paint and a 17-9 edge in bench points.
Isabel Lindo led Davenport with 12 points and made both of her three-pointers.
Ellie Toney finished with seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
The Panthers will remain at home on Saturday for Senior Day against Wayne State.
Lillee Gustafson,
Jaci Walker, and
Kendal Swartout will be recognized prior to the 1:00 PM tip against the Warriors.
