Northwest Wayne News

Wayne State University's women's basketball team faced a challenging match against Ashland University, ranked fifth nationally. The game took place at the WSU Fieldhouse in Detroit, where Wayne State was unable to maintain their early lead, ultimately falling 73-53.

The Warriors initially led by seven points in the first quarter, but Ashland turned the tide with a strong performance in the second and third quarters. "After triples by Wayne State's Gabi Lutchka (Grass Lake, Mich.) and AU's Ashley Mullett in the first 2:20, there were two lead changes over the next three minutes," stated an official report on the game's progression.

Despite a solid start from Wayne State with a 13-6 advantage late in the first quarter, Ashland closed it to 15-11 after ten minutes. In the second quarter, Ashland initiated a decisive 17-0 run that left Wayne State trailing at halftime. The Warriors' shooting percentage was impressive at 53 percent from the floor during this period, but turnovers cost them valuable points.

Wayne State struggled offensively in the third quarter as well. "A Thompson lay-up cut the deficit to three (31-28), but Ashland responded with a 9-0 spurt," which widened their lead significantly.

By the fourth quarter, Wayne State was unable to close a gap that had stretched to as much as 25 points. Although they managed to score some final points towards the end of the game, it wasn't enough to change their fate.

Team statistics revealed that Wayne State shot at 39 percent from field goals compared to Ashland's more efficient 51 percent. Turnovers were also problematic for Wayne State; they committed 22 compared to Ashland's 16.

Taylor Thompson led Wayne State with both scoring and rebounding efforts while Mackenzie Miller matched her personal high with eleven points. On Ashland's side, Hayley Smith was prominent with fourteen points and seven rebounds.

Looking ahead, Wayne State will host Northwood University on Thursday at WSU Fieldhouse.