14th-Consecutive Win Comes in Overtime Over No. 16 Indiana Wesleyan
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UPLAND, Ind. – The eighth-ranked Trojans survived Wednesday’s contest, edging the No. 16 Wildcats by a 66-61 margin in overtime. With the win, TU extended its winning streak to 14, which matched the longest stretch in program history, dating back to the 1983-1984 campaign.
Taylor (22-4, 13-2 CL) grabbed a lead early in the game, notching a 9-0 run within a two-minute span to create an 11-point advantage. Four different Trojans knocked down a trey in the final four minutes of the opening quarter, helping the team to the double-digit lead.
Defense dominated the second quarter as Taylor and Indiana Wesleyan (18-9, 11-4 CL) combined for a mere 17 points. TU maintained strong ball pressure, forcing six Wildcat turnovers in the quarter and 16 for the game.
The second half began evenly, as both teams added 17 points in the third quarter. The fourth period had a different tone, as the Trojans were scoreless for the last eight minutes of the stanza. The Wildcats utilized a 15-5 comeback surge to force an overtime period.
Becca Buchs got the scoring going in overtime, knocking down a pair of layups to give Taylor a 59-57 advantage. The Trojans proceeded to drain seven free throws to finish the extra time period, completing the 66-61 victory.
The crucial win secured a home game in the opening round of the Crossroads League Tournament for the Trojans, as they completed the season sweep of Indiana Wesleyan.
Leading the Trojans in the scoring column, Kendall Bradbury had a solid night, contributing 22 points and 10 rebounds for her 47th career double-double. The senior forward also climbed the ranks moving into third-place in Crossroads League history, as she surpassed 2,600 career points.
TU put together a solid performance on the glass, outrebounding the top rebounding team in the Crossroads League, 45-41. The Taylor squad pulled in an impressive 17 offensive rebounds, adding seven second-chance points. Abby Buchs played a major role in crashing the boards with a career-high 13 rebounds, including seven offensive boards.
Aubrey Wright brought great energy for Taylor, contributing in all facets of the game. Wright recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks and four steals, marking her fourth-straight game with at least three steals.
No. 8 Taylor will return to the planks on Saturday, as the team faces Mount Vernon Nazarene (13-14, 6-9 CL) at 1:00 pm.