Double-Double for Hames in Loss to Eagles

Fayette, Mo.--Alyssa Hames (Jr., Ackley, Iowa, Psychology) hit double figures in points and rebounds and the Statesmen women's basketball team played well in three quarters, but could not get past Central Methodist in a 69-51 Heart of America Athletic Conference loss Wednesday.

William Penn (3-21, 2-18 Heart) was outshot just 40.3%-35.2%, but attempted 18 fewer shots due to 26 turnovers (14 for CMU).  Surprisingly, however, CMU (11-12, 8-11 Heart) did not make the visitors pay, only outscoring WPU 6-3 in points off mistakes.  Unfortunately, in the end, the Statesmen could not overcome their lack of chances.

Neither squad had much firepower at the start of the night, combining for just two points (both free throws by CMU) through the first 4:50 of action.  Hames finally got WPU on the board at the midway point, but the offenses continued to lag throughout the opening quarter as the Eagles led 8-7.

The home team eventually caught traction in the second stanza and scored the period's first 12 points.  The Statesmen hung around, though, and closed to within seven at 30-23 on a three-pointer by Aysia Arrowood (Jr., Wichita, Kan., Sports Management) in the waning seconds before halftime.

Unfortunately, the Eagles went on another big run to open the third quarter and put the game out of reach.  The third period was WPU's worst as it was outscored 21-11.

Hames scored 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting, while also pulling down 11 rebounds.  Overall, WPU narrowly lost the rebounding battle 42-39.

Arrowood connected on four three-pointers as part of a 13-point evening, while Aiesha Feagins (Jr., Grand Prairie, Texas, Applied Mathematics) also hit double digits with 10 points.

Mercer Roberts (Sr., Myrtle Beach, S.C., Wellness and Recreation) accounted for six points and a squad-high three assists as well.

Both teams shot just 25.0% from behind the arc (WPU was 7-for-28, CMU was 5-for-20), and both made roughly half of their free throws (WPU was 6-for-12, CMU was 6-for-11).

Next Up: William Penn returns to Oskaloosa Saturday to host Baker in Heart action at 2 p.m.