SHOOTING WOES HAMPER BLUE TIGERS
The Blue Tiger women’s basketball team had a hard time putting the ball into the basket on Nov. 28 in Jason Gymnasium. Lincoln University (1-5) had a higher shooting percentage from the floor than Pittsburg (Kan.) State University, 39.7 to 38.2, but the Gorillas won the game 69-59 by making free throws. The Gorillas (3-2) took more than twice as many free throws (30) as the Blue Tigers (14). Of the Gorillas 30 free throw attempts they hit 24 (80 percent), while the Blue Tigers made only 8-of-14 (57 percent).
The combination of Brezette Elder-Wade and Jasmine Washington took 66 percent (38-of-58) of the Blue Tigers shot attempts and connected on 42 percent (16-of-38) of their tries. Elder-Wade made 54.2 percent (13-24), while Washington launched 14 shots with 3 going through the net (21.4 percent). Overall the remaining Blue Tigers shot 35 percent from the floor (7-of-20).
Elder-Wade scored a game and career high at Lincoln University of 32 points. The 32 points is also the most points produced by an individual from a Heartland Conference women’s team this season. Three Blue Tigers, Claire Jenkins, Washington and Tiffannie Wolfe scored 8 points each. Elder-Wade grabbed a game and season high 8 rebounds. Washington tallied a game and season high 6 assists.
It was the third game of the season in which the Blue Tigers have lost by 10 points or less. In those three losses the Blue Tigers have shot .384 from the field (70-182) and .239 (11-46) from 3-point range. For every 3-point attempt tried by the Blue Tigers in those losses, they are taking two shots from 2-point range, where they are hitting .434 (59-136).
Four players hit double figures for Pittsburg State with the 16 points of Candice Gilbert leading the way. Nikki Pierce scored 12, while Anna Nimz and Tracy Patry knocked in 11 points apiece.
Lincoln University returns to action on Dec. 2 at home against Truman State University (3-1) with a 3:00 p.m. tip-off. The Blue Tigers have not beaten the Bulldogs since a 77-73 home victory on January 28, 1998 in Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association play.
