TOPEKA, Kan. – The Washburn Ichabod women's basketball team turned a tight first half into a commanding victory with a dominant third-quarter burst, powering past MSU Denver 66–44 on Saturday afternoon at Lee Arena wrapping up the Hotel Topeka Classic. The Ichabods moved to 3–1 on the season behind a balanced offensive effort and one of their most efficient stretches of basketball this year.
After taking a 33–23 lead into halftime, the Ichabods blew the game open with an 18-0 run in the third quarter, outscoring the Roadrunners 25–7 in the frame. Washburn shot a blistering 66.7 percent (10-of-15) in the period while holding MSU Denver to just 2-of-13. By the end of the quarter, the Ichabods had extended their advantage to 58–30, their largest lead of the game at 28 points.
The offensive balance helped define the win.
Gabi Giovannetti led all scorers with 17 points and added 10 rebounds and three steals, including a pair of momentum-changing threes during the third-quarter surge recording her first double double in the process.
Payton Sterk finished with 14 points, connecting twice from long range and contributing on both ends of the floor. Inside,
Britany Kogbara delivered 12 points and five rebounds off the bech, while
Yiibari Nwidadah added seven points and eight boards.
Washburn shot 39.1 percent from the field and overcame a cold night from three by dominating the interior, outscoring MSU Denver 38–18 in the paint and controlling the glass with a 52–28 rebounding advantage. The Ichabods also created separation through second-chance points and transition opportunities, turning their hustle into points on the other end.
MSU Denver stayed close early, trailing 17–12 after one and 33–23 at halftime, but struggled to maintain pace once Washburn tightened its defensive pressure. The Roadrunners shot just 29.6 percent in the opening half and never found a rhythm from the perimeter. The third quarter proved decisive as Washburn capitalized on turnovers, rebounding dominance, and efficient shooting to break the game open.
The Roadrunners were unable to cut the deficit under 20 in the final period as the Ichabods finished with advantages in points off turnovers (14 to 11), second-chance scoring (14 to 2), and bench production (28 to 11), while also holding their largest lead of 28 late in the third quarter.
The Ichabods (3-1) will return to action Nov. 28-29 at the St. Mary's Thanksgiving Classic when they will face the host school and Texas A&M Kingsville on the following day in San Antonio, Texas.
