West Posts Huge Day in Loss to Eagles

Fayette, Mo.--Carley West (Jr., Saint Paul, Minn., Human Services) scored a season-high 33 points, but the William Penn women's basketball team could not slow down Central Methodist in a 79-55 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Saturday.

West knocked down 12 of her 26 field goals (1-for-3 3-PT) and was 8-for-9 at the free-throw line to lead all players in scoring.  The junior also recorded seven rebounds and three steals.

Unfortunately, WPU (2-12, 1-9 Heart) was outshot 50.0%-39.2% in the setback.

The visitors fell behind 7-0 early, but steadied the proverbial boat and was down just 15-8 at the end of the first quarter.  They continued to battle, eventually closing within four points on two occasions in the second stanza before entering the halftime locker room facing an eight-point deficit at 31-23.

WPU stayed within striking distance midway through the third period at 37-32, but could not hold down CMU (7-10, 4-9 Heart) as the hosts pulled away and cruised to the victory.

Jaida Smith (Sr., Milwaukee, Wis., Business Management) was William Penn's next-highest scorer with eight points off the bench in addition to four assists, while Aiesha Feagins (Sr., Grand Prairie, Texas, Applied Mathematics) contributed six points.

The Statesmen held a 34-31 edge in rebounding which led to a 6-4 advantage in second-chance points.  WPU unfortunately committed 26 turnovers (17 for CMU), but was only outscored 8-2 in points off mistakes.

Both squads were 13-for-18 at the charity stripe, while Central Methodist was 42.1% (8-for-19) from behind the arc (WPU was 2-for-13, 15.4%).

"The final score does not show how hard we competed," Interim Head Coach Sheawn Bedford said.  "I am extremely proud of the fight and determination the girls showed all game.  We will continue to work in practice to improve for our next game against Peru State."

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa next Monday to host Peru State in Heart play at 5:30 p.m.