Erin Efimoff scored eight points in the first quarter and finished with 12 on the night (photo credit, Stephen Bates, WCS Photography).
Posted: Jan 31, 2017
WATERTOWN, Wis. – The Illinois Tech women's basketball team played the first of three consecutive away games Tuesday night as they faced Maranatha Baptist. The Scarlet Hawks hung tough against the Sabercats, but couldn't overcome a sluggish second quarter and fell 59-40.
How it Happened
- The Hawks started the game very strong on offense, as they built a 15-11 lead through the first 10 minutes and shot 54.4% from the field. Tech also played good defense and held the Sabercats to a mediocre 4-of-15 (26.7%) overall and 2-of-7 (28.6%) from three-point range. Erin Efimoff had a stellar start, scoring eight points and going 4-of-5 (80%).
- The Sabercats, though, had a great second quarter and climbed back into the lead thanks in part to rebounding (12) and defense (five steals). The Hawks shot 20% (2-of-10) from the field as the Sabercats went 8-of-22, making four from three-point range and building a 33-19 at halftime.
- Tech continued to grind in the third quarter as they played strong defense (three steals) and went 4-of-5 (80%) from the charity stripe. Maranantha Baptist failed to shoot a single free throw. The free throw disparity proved to be the difference in the quarter, as both teams shot 33.3%, resulting in tech outscoring the Sabercats 13-11. Tech, though, still trailed 44-32.
- The Sabercats continued their strong play in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Hawks 15-8 and coming away with the 59-40 victory. Kaylee Wicka went perfect from the field (2-of-2) in the fourth, scoring five points.
Scarlett Hawks Standouts
- Wicka scored a team-high 18 points (6-of-13), going 2-of-3 from three-point range. She also had a team-high seven rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
- Efimoff continued her strong play, scoring 12 points (5-of-11), going 2-of-2 from the charity stripe, and grabbing three rebounds.
- Madison Davis contributed with five points, three rebounds, and three steals.
Stats to Know
- Tech shot a better percentage from the field, going 15-41 (36.4%) while the Sabercats went 22-70 (31.4%).
- Maranatha Baptist took 29 more shots, a direct result of the 40-26 rebounding advantage.
- The Sabercats scored 17 more points off turnovers, outscoring the Hawks 33-16.
Up Next
- Tech will be on the road again tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1, as they travel to Indiana to face Trine University. Tip-off is set for 5:00 p.m. Trine will provide live video and statistics for the contest.