![Wildcats Begin Season with Six-Point Loss to Viterbo](/sports/wbkb/2024-25/photos/WBB1101024.jpg?max_width=600)
Wildcats Begin Season with Six-Point Loss to Viterbo
Viterbo University scored eight of the final nine points in the last 90 seconds of regulation to ruin the season opener for the Culver-Stockton women's basketball team with a 68-62 victory Friday night at Charles Field House.
The Wildcats trailed 60-58 after a basket by Viterbo's Nicole Johnson with 1:34 to play. C-SC answered on the ensuing possession when Addison Newbon drained a 3-pointer with 1:12 to go to give C-SC a 61-60 lead.
The V-Hawks regained the lead on a bucket with 46 seconds left and forced the Wildcats to take a time out. Out of the time out, C-SC's Misora Nambara was called for an offensive fall, giving th ball back to the visitors.
Viterbo made two free throws with 22 seconds remaining to up the lead to 64-61. Nambara was fouled on the next possession and split a pair of free throws with 20 seconds left to make 64-62. The V-Hawks then made four straight free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the victory.
The game was close throughout the game. C-SC led 14-11 after one quarter; however, the V-Hawks outscored the hosts 21-18 in the second quarter to go to the half tied at 32.
Both teams scored 15 points in the third quarter to send the game to the final 10 minutes tied 47-47 before Viterbo outscored the Wildcats 21-15 in the final quarter.
The Wildcats were harmed by 20 turnovers and shot 24 percent from beyond the 3-point arc in the game. C-SC was also outscored 16-7 at the free throw line.
Nambara led three Wildcat players in double figures with 17 points. She added four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Newbon recorded 13 points and Elly Bentley finished with 11 markers off the bench.
The Wildcats will try to rebound Saturday when they host Hannibal-LaGrange University in the final game of the Atrium on Third Hotel Classic at Charles Field House. HLGU lost to Missouri Valley College 69-40 in the first game Friday. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.