Box Score When the Oakland City University women's basketball team began the year, they were hoping to surpass the previous season, when they lost in the opening round of the NCCAA Midwest Regional Tournament.
However, after carrying a disappointing record of 4-8 into the second half of the season, and losing the first three games to fall to 4-11, that outlook was under review. But the young Oaks proved ready for the challenge, finishing the regular season on a 7-1 streak, including wins in the final five games heading into postseason play.
After moving back to the NCCAA Mid-East Region after five years in the Midwest, OCU traveled to Madisonville, Tennessee, to take on the Tigers of Hiwassee College in the first round. The Oaks took a 17-10 lead coming out of the first quarter, but found themselves trailing 36-34 at the halftime break. OCU responded to even the score at 49-49 entering the final period, but were unable to hold on to their momentum, falling by the eventual score of 73-59.
Alicia Wilson paced the Oaks, scoring 18 points, on 5-12 shooting, including 4-8 from three point range, to go with five rebounds and three assists.
Olivia Carroll posted 13 counters, making 6-10 from the field, while handing out two assists, while
Emma Lander also reached double digits, scoring 10 points on 4-7 shooting.
Emily Pitkin made 4-5 of her shot attempts to score eight points, while
Lexi Payne added six.
J'Lynn Majors scored a game high 19 points for the Tigers, shooting 6-14 from the field, followed closely by Hailey Browning's 17 point performance. Ny'Asia Holmes added 15 points on 7-10 shooting, while Ashley Roby and Shominique Pearson each scored six.
As a team, OCU made 23-47 (48.9%) of their shot attempts, including 4-11 (31.3%) from beyond the arc, while making all eight of their free throws. The Tigers went 24-53 (45.3%) from the floor, making 4-8 (50.0%) from three point range, and 21-26 (80.8%) from the charity stripe.
The Oaks were outrebounded 21-18, while trailing in turnovers 16-9. Both teams handed out eight assists in the game.
