Jackets’ strong first quarter spoiled by Saints

DEFIANCE, Ohio - Defiance's return from its four-game road stint was spoiled by Siena Heights on Wednesday night at Karl H. Weaner Center. Despite a thrilling, back-and-forth first-quarter battle, the Saints ended on top 65-39.  

Defiance (3-20, 1-15 WHAC) and Siena Heights (14-10, 11-5 WHAC) seemed to each come out with the game plan to score quickly and often. The baskets went back-and-forth, beginning with a layup from Taylor Haynes in the first minute. When the Saints' Brooke Rebman hit a 3-pointer with 2:31 left in the first quarter, they were able to snatch the lead away from the Yellow Jackets 10-9. The opposing team's advantage lasted just nine seconds as JaKiah Mitchell scored her first points of the night to regain the leverage. With 36 seconds remaining in the first period, a sneaky basket and an and-1 shot off a Mitchell foul put Siena Heights on top heading into the second.  

The first five points of the second quarter belonged to the Saints until Haynes interrupted their offense at 5:52. From that point until the end of the first half, seven turnovers and four missed opportunities halted the Jacket's chance to cut into the deficit. As the halftime buzzer sounded, Siena Heights led 27-13.

Haynes scored to begin the second half as she did the first. The teams traded baskets before the Saints set out on a 14-point run capped by back-to-back Madison Vice threes, earning them a 47-19 lead. Defiance could score, but not halt the Siena Heights momentum as the third quarter trickled into the fourth. Ali Mowen hit a three to end the game with just over a minute remaining on the clock. 

THE TURNING POINT

The Yellow Jackets played an aggressive first quarter to kick off the contest consisting of four steals and two blocks. The scoring bounced back-and-forth between Defiance and Siena Heights, beginning with Taylor Haynes and finishing with a good free throw for the Saints. The success DC had in the first quarter had trouble following into the second quarter and beyond. This trend continued throughout the game as Siena Heights was able to run away with the win. 

A CLOSER LOOK

• Morgan Crowe finished just one point away from a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. This was the third time she led in boards this season.

• Taylor Haynes added up five steals on the night 

• DC outperformed Siena Heights in rebounds 39-36

• Defiance's 27 turnovers contributed to 25 points for the Saints

• There were three ties and three lead changes, all coming in the first quarter

UP NEXT

The Jackets will host their second-to-last home game on Saturday against Cornerstone. The Golden Eagles are No. 5 in the WHAC and in their previous contest on Dec. 7, 2024, bested Defiance 84-49. Tipoff will take place at 1 p.m. and the men's teams will follow. 

-JACKETS-