NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Elmhurst University women's basketball team secured a narrow 69-67 victory over Manchester University at Stauffer-Wolfe Arena on Saturday (Nov. 30).
The Bluejays boast an undefeated record of 6-0, marking their best start since the 2016-17 season. Notably, three of Elmhurst's six wins have been decided by two possessions or less, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Manchester fell to 1-3 on the season with the loss.
Elmhurst's lineup featured several standout players. Lindsay Novak led the team in field goals, contributing 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting, including two 3-pointers. MC Brown delivered a strong performance, making 5-of-9 field goals for 10 points and adding six rebounds. Cierra Steemer topped the scoring charts with 17 points, hitting 8-of-14 shots, and also led the team with two blocks. Kristin Bukata excelled in playmaking, leading the team with eight assists while also grabbing seven rebounds.
HOW IT HAPPENED
In the opening quarter, both teams exchanged leads, with three ties occurring throughout the period. The Bluejays capitalized on points in the paint, outscoring the Spartans 16-8 in this area. Despite an early deficit, the Bluejays pulled ahead with a series of fast-break layups, including a key basket by Novak to bring the score to 8-7. Manchester's Abigail Rosenkrans responded with multiple baskets, but the Bluejays' Bukata secured the lead by the end of the quarter with a fast-break layup, closing the quarter at 19-17.
The Bluejays started the second quarter strong, with Steemer scoring consecutive layups assisted by Maia Lewers and Novak, extending their lead to 23-17. Manchester responded with a 3-pointer by Kinsey Atkins and tied the game at 23 after Atkins sank three straight free throws. The Spartans took control midway through the quarter with a 9-0 run, highlighted by a layup and assist from Rosenkrans and Atkins, pushing their lead to 28-23. Elmhurst's Dejae Parks and Brown narrowed the gap with successful shots, but the Spartans' Hailee Kline extended their lead with a fast-break 3-pointer, making it 36-29 at halftime.
The Bluejays dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Spartans 22-10 with a strong defensive and fast-break performance. Brown scored with a tip-in at 9:05, and a series of successful plays by Bukata and Sierra Gibson tied the score at 40-40 with 3:45 remaining. Steemer added a block, a defensive rebound, and a jumper to give Elmhurst a 46-45 lead at 1:50. Novak's fast-break 3-pointer at 0:40 extended the lead further, and Diellza Dalipi's free throws closed the quarter with the Bluejays ahead 54-46.
Manchester outscored Elmhurst 21-15 in the fourth quarter but fell just short of a comeback. Kayla Gibbs made an early impact for Manchester with two free throws, narrowing the deficit to 54-48. Elmhurst's Steemer contributed with a defensive block and a fast-break layup to push the lead to 58-52. Novak added another layup to extend the margin to 60-54. Despite a late surge by the Spartans, including a layup and free throw by Gibbs, Rowan Cusack sealed the win for the Bluejays with two clutch free throws, concluding the game at 69-67.
UP NEXT
The Bluejays will face Augustana on December 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. to open the CCIW season. The game will take place in Rock Island, Ill.
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