TOPEKA, Kan. – The Washburn women's basketball team struggled offensively in the second half and lost to Winona State on Friday afternoon, 56-45. The Ichabods will close out the Washburn Thanksgiving Classic tomorrow (Saturday, Nov. 27) afternoon against Rockhurst at 3 p.m.
The Ichabods (1-3) led 14-10 at the end of the opening quarter after back-to-back three-pointers by
Mackenzie Gamble midway through the frame gave Washburn the advantage.
Washburn's defense held Winona State (4-0) to just one made free throw in the final 4:25 of the second quarter.
Abby Oliver made a layup with 33 seconds remaining to send Washburn into the break in front, 29-20.
The Warrior offense came out firing to start the second half and outscored the Ichabods, 18-6, in the period.
Nuria Barrientos snagged a steal and went coast to coast and scored on a jumper with 22 seconds on the clock in the third to cut Winona State's lead to three, 38-35.
A 9-2 scoring run to start the final stanza extended Winona State's lead to double-figures at 47-37. The Ichabods pulled within seven points after another layup from Oliver with 1:18 to go in regulation, but those would be the final points for Washburn as Winona State closed out the game with four made free throws.
Winona State finished with a 38.6 field goal percentage and went 4-of-15 from deep while Washburn shot 31.7 percent from the floor and went 3-of-24 from three-point distance. The Ichabods outrebounded the Warriors, 43-33, and had 14 offensive rebounds that they turned into 10 points. Winona State forced 14 turnovers and converted those into 18 points on the other end. Washburn made all four of its free throw attempts while Winona State was 8-for-9 at the charity stripe.
Macy Doebele led the Ichabods with 11 points and tied for a team-high seven rebounds with four of them being offensive boards.
Lauren Cassaday also had seven rebounds and recorded one steal. Oliver was 5-for-9 from the field and finished with 10 points and five rebounds.
Aubree Dewey dished out a team-best four assists.
For the Warriors, Caitlin Riley led all players with 12 points.
