IU East women fall in shoot-out versus Olivet Nazarene, 110-99, at NAIA DII WBB

IU East women fall in shoot-out versus Olivet Nazarene, 110-99, at NAIA DII WBB

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IU East women fall in shoot-out versus Olivet Nazarene, 110-99, at NAIA DII WBB

NAIA.org story By Colbi Howser, Communications and Sports Information Intern

SIOUX CITY, Iowa - (Box Score Bracket) After a slow start in the first quarter, the fast paced Tigers of Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) impressed as they advance on to second round play after beating IU East (Ind.), 110-99. In its fourth national championship appearance the Tigers improve its record to 2-3 and play Friday, March 11 at 7 p.m.

In an interesting and unusual subbing tactic, which entailed five new players every 30 seconds, the Tigers never tired and were able to maintain a working press during the entire game, forcing IU East to play four on offense to keep up on defense.

With 15 players on the roster, Olivet played every player an equal amount of time. Ten players saw ten minutes or more, with four shooting double-digits including Senior Abbey Hengesbach who tallied 24 points, eight rebounds and game-high four steals. Maggie Schmidt (22), Ally Giapapa (13) and Jayne Stuart (10) also brought in double-digit points.

In the first half alone the Tigers created 18 turnovers with help from their full-court press, which they ran throughout the entire game. Sophomore Christian Capriana had 2-of-4 charges on the night, both coming a matter of seconds apart in the first quarter. Total, Olivet Nazarene produced 29 turnovers and 13 steals.

Offensive wise the Tigers shot 41-of-110 from the field, 13-of-47 from behind the arc and pulled down a championship high 60 rebounds.

IU East stayed strong throughout the game, never falling behind by more than eleven. The Red Wolves never had a chance to set up any kind of offense during the game, relying solely on press breaks and quick open shots, which led to 37-of-86 from the field and 2-of-14 from the arc. Tia King was the lone player on the Red Wolves to produce double-digits with 12, she also had nine rebounds and three steals. IU East ends its season (22-11).