The Washburn women’s basketball team faced off against the Central Missouri Jennies Jan. 5 at Lee Arena. The eighth-ranked Ichabods entered the contest with an impressive 11-2 overall record and 3-2 record in the MIAA, while the Jennies were looking to extend their three-game winning streak with a respectable 9-3 overall and 3-1 MIAA record.

The Ichabods struggled to score at the beginning of the game. After four minutes without a field goal, Casyn Buchman scored the first basket for Washburn. Central Missouri was capitalizing on Washburn’s mistakes and gained a comfortable 21-12 lead after forcing two straight turnovers with nine minutes remaining in the first half. The Jennies went to the locker room at halftime with a 39-28 lead and all the momentum after making a layup at the buzzer.

Central Missouri played a solid first twenty minutes of the game. The Jennies were shooting 57 percent from the field and 50 percent from three point range. For the home team, the first half was a forgettable one. The Bods shot just 36 percent from the field, 18 percent from the three point line, and were facing an eleven point deficit at halftime.

Coming out with energy and playing determined defense, the Ichabods started off the second half on a 14-4 run. The fans were on their feet after Janelle Travis hit a deep three pointer as the shot clock was winding down with eleven minutes to go in the game. Central Missouri’s eleven point halftime lead was now cut to one.

For the next seven minutes, the two teams were trading baskets back and forth. The key to Washburn’s comeback was getting to the free throw line. The Ichabods shot almost three times as many free throws as the Jennies. With about three minutes remaining, Jayna Smith hit a free throw and gave the Bods a 59-58 lead.

In the remaining two minutes of the game, Central Missouri played tough defense and executed on the offensive end as well. With 17 seconds left, UCM’s Justina Prairie Chief knocked down a couple free throws to give the Jennies a 64-61 lead.

After a timeout, Washburn tried to run a play and tie the game with a three pointer. But Central Missouri defended it well and ended up winning the game 64-61.

The positive takeaways for the women’s basketball team were their free throw shooting and their improved defensive effort in the second half. Overall the Ichabods shot 80% from the free throw line (20 of 25) and in the second half their defense held their opponent to a 35% field goal percentage.

Another positive note was Honor Duvall’s impressive stat line with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Washburn made significant improvements in the second half and played with inspiring effort, but unfortunately came up short in the end.