Box Score MC Sports Information
The Maryville College Lady Scots could not overcome a poor shooting performance in the first half and fell to Illinois Wesleyan 84-42 in the first round of the NCAA Division III National Tournament in Crestview Hills, Kentucky on Saturday evening.
The Scots managed only a 12 point first half while shooting only 20% from the floor and not hitting a single three-pointer before the intermission. In contrast, Illinois Wesleyan deposited 47 first half points on 64% shooting. They also displayed their perimeter attack going 8-for-12 from beyond the arc.
The Titans' hot shooting cooled off to a 43% second half effort, but MC hit only 9-of-34 shots to close out their season. Wesleyan forced 19 Maryville turnovers and accumulated a dozen steals while scoring 21 points off Lady Scot miscues.
Illinois Wesleyan (23-5) was paced by Olivia Lett who scored 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting. Lett tore up the net with a 4-for-6 effort from beyond the arc. Melissa Gardner added 14 points after connecting on four treys.
Maryville (21-7) kept pace with Kiera Payne's 11 points. Tara Heyboer tossed in eight points while MC's lone senior C.J. Dake finished her career with a seven point, three rebound effort.
Illinois Wesleyan will advance to second round action against tournament host Thomas More College. The Saints defeated nationally ranked Louisiana College 94-91 to advance to Saturday's action. Tip-off of the Titan/Saint match-up is slated for 7:30 p.m.
