By Chad Clevenger
WICHITA, Kan. (CCCTigers.com) – The Central Christian Women’s Basketball team traveled to Wichita to take on NCAA Division 2 and MIAA member Newman University in an Exhibition game on Monday Night. The Tigers gave the Jets all they could handle, but in the end fell 75-59, despite 19 points from Chloe Clevenger.
A slow start to the game as the Tigers fell behind 15-5 early in the 1st, but a 10-3 run behind 8 points in the 1st quarter by Clevenger got the Tigers with 3 to end the 1st quarter down 18-15. Clevenger’s hot shooting kept the Tigers in the game and when she hit her 5th 3 pointer of the half, it gave the Tigers a 33-31 lead with 50 seconds remaining in the half. The Jets drew a quick foul, and tied the game with 2 free throws. As the Tigers were playing for the last shot, The Jets were able to get the ball off a Tiger miss, and quickly hit a 2 point shot at the buzzer to go into the half with a 35-33 lead.
For the Tigers it was the 3 ball that kept them in the game in the 1st half, but it was the 3 ball for the Jets in the 3rd quarter that was the story. The Jets hit 7 shots from behind the arc deep on 9 attempts, their way to 23 points to head into the 4th with a 14 point lead. The Jets also adjusted their defense, and only allowed 1 three pointer from the Tigers in the 3rd, from Charmayne Marshall.
Foul trouble for the Tigers got them to their bench early, and Rachel Ellis was terrific in her role as she scored a career high 8 points, on 3-4 shooting, including a big 3 in the 1st half. Hallee Winsea added 12 points, and Charmayne Marshall nearly had a double-double with 9 points and 11 rebounds. The Tigers gave the Jets quite a scare, but in the end, the Jets came out victorious 75-59.
Key Stat: Newman made 14 three pointers on 32 attempts, including 7-9 in the 3rd quarter.
Tiger Leaders:
Points: Chloe Clevenger (19)
Rebounds: Charmayne Marshall (11)
Assists: Charmayne Marshall (5)
Steals: Chloe Clevenger (1), Charmayne Marshall (1)
Blocks: Cristina Laudan (2)
Coach’s Comment:
“Tonight was a good exhibition game for us! It was against an NCAA Division 2 team that had some really good athletic players. It was a really good test before conference starts. We did a lot of good things and we also have some things to continue to work on! I liked our energy for the most part and really thought we rebounded better! I truly believe we are headed in a good direction.”
-Coach Brad Willems
Next for the Tigers (2-2) is Oklahoma Panhandle State (0-3) in the Sooner Athletic Conference Opener on Thursday night in Goodwell, Oklahoma. Tip is set for 6pm and can be seen on the SAC Sports Network.