Slow Start Dooms Ichabods

Washburn women’s basketball had its three-game win streak snapped on Saturday with a 72-56 loss to Lindenwood, as it posted a season-low 27 rebounds.

Washburn (14-6, 9-2 MIAA) fell behind early as Lindenwood (14-4, 8-3 MIAA) raced out to a 14-point lead midway through the first before extending the margin to 17 just before the end the of the period.

The Ichabods began to the rally in the second as they pieced together 9-0 run with 4-for-5 shooting during the two minutes of the quarter. Bentley led the way with four points, while McAfee and Denesia Smith had three and two, respectively, trimming the deficit to 26-20 with 7:50 left in the half.

McAfee then cut the margin to four with a breakaway layup after registering one of her game-high four steals. That however was the closest the Ichabods would get, as they headed into the break behind, 36-26.

The situation did not improve much for the Ichabods in the second half as the Lions maintained their distance, converting on 9-of-10 chances from the line in addition. Washburn meanwhile was 3-for-5 from the stripe and 13-of-32 from the floor.

Alexis McAfee and Hunter Bentley paced the Washburn offense with 13 points apiece, as each converted on 6-of-12 from the field and 1-for-3 from three-point distance. Bentley also contributed with a team-best seven rebounds, while McAfee had four steals and three assists. Shelbe Piggie also netted double-figure points as she chipped in with 10 with 4-for-12 shooting.

Annette Warner posted her second-consecutive five-block game helping Washburn to a season-high nine blocks. Also a result of her performance, Warner became the second player in program-history to record five or more blocks in back-to-back games and is the first since Axelle Bernard accomplished the feat twice last season.

The Ichabods return to the Show Me State for a pair of games beginning with a trip to Warrensburg on Wednesday, Feb. 6, as they face defending national champion, Central Missouri. Tip-off is set for 5:30 pm