Crestview Hills, Ky.- The University of Findlay women's basketball team hit the road on Thursday, Jan. 9 for a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) against the Thomas More Saints and secured a 71-58 victory over the home team. With the win, the Oilers improve to 13-3 overall and 6-1 in the G-MAC while the Saints fall to 6-8 overall and 3-3 in the conference. Findlay has now won 12 of its last 13 games, including eight in a row. This marks the Oilers' first eight-game winning streak since the 2017-2018 season.
The first period was somewhat sloppy for Findlay, who faced the Saints for just the third time in program history. The Oilers shot just 33% in the opening frame, making just 7-of-21 including just 2-of-7 from three-point range. However, through ten minutes, Findlay led TMU 19-14.
Quarters two and three were the decisive portion of Thursday's game. The Oilers outscored the Saints 42- 28 in those 20 minutes. Findlay went 5-of-9 (55.56%) from three in the second quarter, three of which came from senior Chloe Callahan, all within a three-minute span. Findlay headed into the half with a twelve point lead thanks to a fast break layup by sophomore Addisyn Freeman.
Thomas More started the third quarter with seven unanswered points, cutting the deficit to five. However, the Oilers responded with a dominant 16-4 run over the next six and a half minutes. During that stretch, they shot 6-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, while forcing seven turnovers by the Saints. The surge gave Findlay a 16-point advantage heading into the final quarter.
Findlay reached its largest lead of the night just 30 seconds into the final quarter and went on to secure a 13-point victory.
Sophomore MacKenzie Schulz led all players with 17 points on the night, the third time this season that she has reached double-figure scoring. The guard was 7-of-20 from the field including 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Her 20 field goal attempts mark the most since former standout Sydney Kin recorded 21 against Malone in 2022. Schulz also added five rebounds.
Senior Kate Ellis continued her solid performance, recording 14 points which included a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. Ellis has now recorded 24 consecutive free throws.
Senior Chloe Callahan and sophomore Addisyn Freeman both recorded double-digits. Callahan recorded 12 points while Freeman chipped in ten. Freeman led the team in rebounds, collecting eight.
Senior Janae Hoying paced the team with five assists, while Freeman contributed four assists and three steals.
The Oilers return to action on Saturday, January 11, hosting Ursuline in Croy Gymnasium with a 1pm tip-off.
