Box Score WICHITA, Kan. – Reigning Heartland Conference Player of the Week
MADDIE WHEELER led the Hilltoppers with 22 points in a 69-55 loss against Newman Thursday evening. The loss drops the Hilltoppers to 13-6 overall and an 8-5 conference record. St. Edward's is still tied with St. Mary's for the second spot in the Heartland Conference.
Newman controlled the tempo during the opening minutes of play, jumping out to a 16-2 lead during the first seven minutes of action. The Jets slow pace of play limited the Hilltoppers from going on any runs early. The Newman lead grew as big as 15 points, but at that point the Hilltoppers began battling back.
A three-pointer by
MADDIE WHEELER with 6:45 remaining cut the lead to single digits, 20-12. Wheeler drained another long-range bucket at the 4:45 mark. Wheeler also got to the foul line and knocked down two free-throws that trimmed the lead to six points.
KATHLEEN BRISBANE followed the fouls shots up with a jumper and cut the lead to four, 25-21 with two minutes to play in the first half.
The Jets went on another run and grew their lead to nine points, but the resilient Hilltoppers fought back and cut the lead to five points. Newman went into the break leading by seven points, 32-25, after they made a bucket as time expired.
Brisbane got the offense going for the Hilltoppers scoring the first four points to start the second half. Wheeler was feeling it from the outside, knocking down her third bucket from downtown and cut the lead to six points, 38-32 at the 16:42 mark.
Wheeler swished another three with 15 minutes to go and clipped the Jet lead to four points. Newman answered and went on an 8-0 run through five minutes of play and saw its lead grow to double digits. St. Edward's cut the lead to eight points under the five minute mark, but couldn't get any closer and would drop the contest, 69-55.
MILEKA LOYDRAKE chipped in 10 points and grabbed two steals.
ERIKA ROUSCULP nearly recorded another double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds.
STEPHANIE DEKKERS tallied six assists during the game.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Saturday as they travel to Goodwell, Okla. to take on Panhandle State. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Oscar Williams Gymnasium on the Panhandle State campus. Live video and stats will be available through the Aggie Athletic Website.
