BLOOMINGTON, Ill.- On Friday evening, the Centre women's basketball team traveled to Illinois to open their play in the DIII NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Facing fourth ranked Illinois Wesleyan (IWU), the Colonels closed their 2024-25 campaign on the national stage, suffering a loss to the Titans.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- Centre's
Katelyn Stiltner netted the first shot but from there, the Titans set the pace. IWU outscored the Colonels 27-6 in the frame as
Arin Nipp and
Emma Perna put a pair on the board for Centre late.
- Centre found some footing in the next period.
Bailey Rucker struck hot, netting eight of the Colonels' 16 points in the frame. By the end of the half,
Ryleigh Campbell,
Lindsay Jessie, and
Lilly Reid joined the scoring column.
- Reid opened the second half from behind the arc and continued to carry the Colonels offensively throughout the frame. With three minutes to go in the period,
Anna Thomas joined the scoring column from long range before Reid and Rucker closed the quarter at the line.
- The final period was the closest yet, IWU putting up 20, Centre tallying 16. Rucker and Reid let the Colonels offensively but in the final minute,
Trinity Armour netted Centre's final basket, freezing the final at 95-57, the Titans favoring.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Reid led the Colonels in points with 20. Rucker followed with 16 points.
- Rucker led the team in rebounds with eight and assists with four.
- Reid led the team in steals with two.
