The Indiana Wesleyan women’s basketball team used a strong second half to defeat Spring Arbor 81-44 on Wednesday.
“I thought our response was really mature,” head coach Ethan Whaley said after the game. “And that led to a lot of success, you know, over time they say water finds its level and I thought we finally figured it out. We made some shots, got in a flow, and the game got over pretty quick there in the fourth quarter.”
The Wildcat defense held the Cougars to just 18 points in the first half and 44 points scored, marking the lowest output by the Cougars this season.
Spring Arbor came into the game third in the Crossroads League and 18-4 on the season, but the Wildcats’ clean play helped them cruise to victory.
“Honestly, we didn’t turn the ball over, and they did,” Whaley said. “Both teams kind of play the same way. They press a little bit, they want to play fast, and they want to be physical. It just felt like we were a little more sure-handed and ball-tough than they were. But they’re a really good team and they’re going to be in the national tournament.”
Junior guard Lilli Frasure led the way once again for IWU. She put up 23 points and was able to score inside and out, knocking down two threes and going 5-6 from the free-throw line.
“I mean any success I have comes from the girls around me and the way they play,” Frasure said. “Without the girls and without the coaching staff, I mean, I couldn’t do anything I’m doing.”
Frasure leads the Crossroads league in points per game at 19.7 and is second in assists per game at 4.8.
Jordan Reid, a senior forward, also had a strong game against the Cougars, scoring 13 points and getting four steals. Reid leads the Crossroads league in steals at 3.2 per game.
“My team makes it easy,” Reid said. “Our coaches have put me in a spot where I can just go be athletic and just kind of play like a chicken with its head cut off.”
The Wildcats improved to 21-2 and will play at Saint Francis on Saturday before returning home for a cross-county battle with Taylor next Wednesday.
Wednesday also marked National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Head coach Ethan Whaley said it’s an honor to be able to coach this team.
“I have the best job in the world,” Whaley said. “We have a really special group of women and we’re just blessed to be together and play the game that we love. There’s a lot of individuals that sacrifice so much to get the game to where we are today.”
Jordan Reid said she’s thankful for those who have gone before her and thankful for the opportunity to play college basketball.
“The legacy has been set before us, and we can be forever thankful for the legends not just at this school, but in the WNBA, and other leagues as well,” Reid said.
Editor’s Note: Photo courtesy of IWU Athletic Department
