Second Half Comeback Trips Reivers, #11 Western Nebraska Grabs Tough Road Win Over IW

The Iowa Western Women's Basketball team went 0-2 at their Thanksgiving Classic on November 29 and 30, falling to No. 11 Western Nebraska and North Dakota State College of Science.

Against the Cougars the Reivers saw a strong first half propel them to a comfortable 10 point lead at halftime. However, a strong third quarter from the Cougars and shooting woes for the Reivers evened the score to 52-51 heading into the fourth quarter. Despite near equal shot attempts from the field and from the charity stripe, the Reivers struggle to score and ended the quarter scoring just 14 points to the Cougars' 21. Bella Sparaco led all players in rebounding, grabbing 12. Solape Amusan scored 15 in the loss, shooting 9-10 from the free-throw line, Sommer Blakemore and Jaiden Morris also contributed 14 points each.  

Against the Wildcats the Reivers forced 21 turnovers while also holding them to shooting 12.5% from the three. Despite the strong defensive effort by the Reivers, the team struggled offensively after playing back-to-back games, shooting a season-low 13.6% from the three-point line and 26.4% from the field.

The Reivers, who are now 4-7, are in the top percentage of teams in NJCAA D1 women's basketball who have played 11 games or more in the month of November. Of the 11 contests thus far, 6 were against top-ranked teams. The Reivers are not far off from competing with each team, as two of the top-ranked teams won by single digits.

11-22-19 vs. No. 8 New Mexico Junior College W 76-73

11-23-19 vs. No. 9 Hutchinson L 68-63

11-29-19 vs. No. 11 Western Nebraska L 72-66

After battling injuries during preseason and throughout the month of November, the Reivers will look to bounce back at home against Snow College and Lake Region during the Reiver Classic on December 6 and 7. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. both days.

For more updates and team news follow Reiver Women's Basketball on Twitter and Instagram - @ReiverWBB.