WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The #RV HU women’s basketball team went toe-to-toe against the second best team in the nation in #2 Indiana Wesleyan Wednesday night in front of what turned into a packed Platt Arena. It wasn’t until the final horn sounded that the Wildcats escaped with an 81-79 win.

Tonight’s league opener was worth the price of admission. To say it was a physical game was an understatement as evidenced by both teams whistled for 27 fouls. It was a testament to just how gritty and passion-filled both squads played and accordingly, it was a one or two possession game most of the night.

When all was said and done, there were four ties and six lead changes with the biggest lead swap happening with just over a minute remaining when Gabi Melby nailed two free throws to give HU a 74-73 advantage.

The Wildcats (8-0, 1-0) reclaimed the lead on the next trip down the court and two free tosses by Lilli Frasure shortly after extended the guests’ advantage to three. Melby’s putback on her own miss made for another one-point difference of 77-76 with 13 ticks remaining.

It was free throws the rest of the way and four Wildcat misses kept the door open for the Foresters. Unfortunately, IWU tapped into one of their greatest strengths which is rebounding as they were able to secure two offensive boards from their own misses at the line to stave off an HU squad that was on the verge of an upset.

Melby had a dazzling performance. The senior point guard went off for a season-best 36 points. She knocked down 11 field goals, three from long range, while going a perfect 11-for-11 from the charity stripe. She also snarled five rebounds, handed out five dimes and swiped two steals.

Bailey Kelham, always guarded by IWU’s best defender and strapped with foul trouble, still managed to add ten points. Kyndell Jochim came off the bench to can a trio of treys on her way to ten points. Liv Raby grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

Frasure finished with a double double of 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Wildcats. Jade Nutley netted 13 points while Izzy Reed and Taylor Folkema tossed in ten points apiece.

The Foresters (4-3, 0-1) are back in action Saturday to host Bethel at 1:00 p.m.