Game Recap: Lindenwood Secures Victory Against Hawaii
The Lindenwood women’s basketball team improved their season record to 5-2 with a significant 68-59 victory over Hawaii, who fell to 4-2, on Saturday evening in Honolulu.
Game Overview
The first quarter set the tone for a tightly contested matchup, with neither team gaining a commanding lead. The score was balanced at 16-16 after the opening 10 minutes, thanks in part to Ellie Brueggemann’s two three-pointers.
As the second quarter progressed, Lindenwood took a slight lead at 24-23, bolstered by a key stepback jumper from Aleshia Jones. At halftime, the Lions were ahead 31-25, largely due to Jones’s impressive first-half performance, where she tallied a game-high 13 points.
Second Half Dynamics
Continuing their momentum after the break, Lindenwood extended their lead to 35-25 with quick baskets from Brooke Coffey and Jones. The team’s defense intensified, leading to nine forced turnovers from Hawaii in the third quarter. The Lions concluded the period leading 50-36, highlighted by a steal and three-point play from Coffey.
Final Quarter Highlights
In the final quarter, a three-pointer from Gracy Wernli pushed Lindenwood’s lead to 56-44. Hawaii pressed back, narrowing the margin to six points at 56-50 with just over five minutes remaining. However, following a timeout, Wernli countered with another crucial three-pointer, re-establishing a lead for the Lions at 59-50. Solid free throw shooting down the stretch secured the 68-59 victory for Lindenwood, with Wernli finishing the game with a total of 18 points.
Game Leaders
- Aleshia Jones: 19 points (8-15 FG), 9 rebounds, 5 assists
- Gracy Wernli: 18 points (5-6 3PFG), 3 rebounds
- Brooke Coffey: 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
Looking Ahead
Lindenwood will close out their participation in the American Savings Bank Rainbow Wahine Showdown with a matchup against Vermont. The game is set to tip-off tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. CT.
