Martinez Scores 500th Career Win, Taylor Downs RV IWU
UPLAND, Ind. – Taylor women’s basketball head coach Jody Martinez picked up his 500th career victory on Wednesday, as the Trojans (7-3, 3-2 CL) triumphed over RV Indiana Wesleyan (5-2, 2-1 CL), 80-69. Martinez improved his overall coaching record to 500-207 with Wednesday’s win, as he boasts a 70.7 winning percentage through 21 years as a head coach.
The difference in the contest came in the opening quarter, as the Trojans hit eight more field goals and had 10 more shot attempts than the visitors. Five different TU players scored in the first 10 minutes of action, helping the Purple and Gold create a 14-point advantage.
The TU defense was tenacious, holding IWU to nine points in the first period. Through the first half, Taylor forced 15 Wildcat turnovers and kept IWU to a 25.0 field goal percentage.
Taylor shot efficiently throughout the night, netting 50.9 percent of its attempts from the field and 50.0 percent of its three-point takes. The host squad sealed the game with solid free throw shooting, sinking 12-of-12 foul shots in the bout.
Lauren James closed out the contest for the TU offense, posting 13 points and eight free throws in the fourth quarter. The junior offered a well-rounded performance on Wednesday, finishing with 18 points, six assists and five rebounds.
Madisyn Fischer, Kayla Kirtley and Kiara Nieto joined James with double figures in the win. Nieto provided a career-best three treys, while making all four field goal attempts for 11 points. The senior came up clutch in the fourth quarter, logging a triple with three minutes left in the contest which ended a 6-0 IWU run.
Fischer came up just short of a double-double on Wednesday, recording 12 points and a team-high nine rebounds.
The Taylor reserves made solid contributions, combining for 21 points on the night. Taylor Westgate led the group with six points, while also adding six rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
TU is scheduled for an away match on Saturday, as it battles Grace (3-3, 0-3 CL) at 3:00 pm.