Findlay, Ohio - The University of Findlay women's basketball team fell to the Cedarville Yellow Jackets 70-60 on Thursday, Feb. 19 in Croy Gymnasium. The defeat drops the Oilers to 14-11 overall and 10-8 in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), while the Yellow Jackets improve to 9-16 and 4-13 in conference play.
The Yellow Jackets took control late in the first quarter, using a 9-2 scoring run to break a 12-12 tie and carry a 21-14 lead into the second frame. Cedarville immediately extended its advantage with an 8-2 run to open the second quarter, highlighted by a pair of three-pointers from Cait Behling, building a 29-16 cushion.
Findlay cut the deficit to nine at halftime (40-31), but a hot start to the second half saw CU eventually lead by 17. While the Oilers did get the score back to single-digits, it was not quite enough as the Lady Jackets went on to win.
Statistically, the two teams were evenly matched, making Cedarville's dominance on the offensive glass the key factor in the victory. Both programs were efficient offensively, with Cedarville shooting 41.9 percent (26-of-62) from the floor and Findlay finishing close behind at 40.8 percent (20-of-49). Turnovers were also similar, as the Oilers committed 16 turnovers compared to 14 for the Yellow Jackets.
However, Cedarville controlled the boards with a 42-28 overall rebounding advantage. Most importantly, the Yellow Jackets held a crucial 16-5 edge in offensive rebounds, which they converted into 13 second-chance points to sustain their lead.
For Findlay, grad student Ariyah Douglas led the way off the bench with 18 points, connecting on 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Senior Alyssa Ziehler secured a double-double for the Oilers, posting 14 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Junior Allie Stockton and junior MacKenzie Schulz added nine points apiece in the effort.
Emma Kay Martin paced Cedarville with a game-high 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting and added three steals.
Findlay is back on the court on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Hillsdale.