INDIANAPOLIS – The IU Indy women's basketball team closed the game on a decisive fourth-quarter run to secure a 64-57 Horizon League victory over Oakland inside The Jungle on Tuesday night. With the win, the Jaguars improved to 11-13 overall and 7-8 in league play, earning their third consecutive victory.
After a tightly contested first three quarters that featured seven ties and six lead changes, IU Indy used defensive pressure and timely free throws down the stretch to pull away and protect its home floor.
Oakland came out shooting efficiently, hitting 11-of-16 from the field in the opening period to take a 24-20 lead after one. The Jaguars kept pace behind early buckets from
Nevaeh Foster and
Destini Craig, but the Golden Grizzlies' hot start gave them a slight edge heading into the second.
IU Indy settled in during the second stanza, tightening up defensively and finding rhythm offensively. The Jaguars knocked down five field goals and added seven free throws in the quarter, trimming the deficit to just two points at halftime, 40-38. Craig continued to attack the paint, while Foster stretched the defense from beyond the arc to keep IU Indy within striking distance.
The back-and-forth battle continued in the third, with neither team able to create separation. IU Indy shot 4-of-14 in the period but stayed aggressive at the free throw line, converting six attempts to keep the game level. The Jaguars and Golden Grizzlies entered the final quarter deadlocked at 54-54, setting up a decisive final 10 minutes.
Defense proved to be the difference for the Jaguars. IU Indy held Oakland to just three points in the fourth quarter, limiting the Golden Grizzlies to 1-of-14 shooting in the period. The Jaguars capitalized at the line and converted key opportunities in transition to outscore Oakland 10-3 in the final frame and secure the seven-point win.
Nevaeh Foster led the Jaguars with 17 points, knocking down four three-pointers and adding seven rebounds.
Destini Craig added 15 points, five rebounds and three assists, while going 5-of-10 from the field.
Ariana Williams provided a spark off the bench with nine points, contributing to IU Indy's 16 bench points on the night.
Hailey Smith added five points and eight rebounds. As a team, the Jaguars forced 20 Oakland turnovers and converted them into 25 points, a key factor in the victory.
IU Indy will return to action on Sunday, February 15, when the Jaguars host Youngstown State inside The Jungle. The Jags and Penguins are set for a 1:00 PM tip.
