Spartans Defeat Defiance in Conference Action

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College women's basketball team dropped to Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference rival Manchester College, 58-47, on Wednesday night. The Yellow Jackets were led by 16 points from Erica King and 13 points by Kim Comden. [Video Highlights]

Manchester jumped out to an early 12-3 lead in the first six minutes of the game. Defiance cut the lead to five points, 16-11, with a quick surge from 13:59 to 11:11 on the clock. Highlighting the run was Kim Bingley, who came off of the bench to hit two three-pointers. The Spartans grabbed control of the opening frame by finishing off the half with a 13-4 run. The two teams entered half time with the score 29-15 in favor of Manchester.

The second half was started better for the Yellow Jackets as they cut the deficit to single digits, 33-24, on a jumper by Comden. Manchester pushed the lead back to 12 points, 38-26, but King converted a three-point play in the paint to bring DC within 9 points, 38-29.

Despite their best efforts, the Yellow Jackets could not bring the Spartans any closer until 26 remained in the contest. A trey from King on the left wing made the score 55-47 Manchester. 

Defiance outscored Manchester, 32-29, in the second half. The Yellow Jackets scored 18 second chance points off of 12 offensive rebounds. 

King scored her 16 points on six-of-12 shooting from the floor. She also added four rebounds for the game. Comden had five rebounds, three blocks and two steals to go along with her 13 points. Hannah Harshman finished the game with six points and six boards, while Bingley ended the contest with six points and three rebounds.

Manchester was led by Kailey Honn, who scored 16 points and grabbed seven boards.

With the loss, Defiance falls to 5-9 overall and 3-4 in the HCAC. Manchester moves to 10-4 and 6-1 in the conference.

The Yellow Jackets will return to action on Saturday, January 14th when they go on the road to face HCAC opponent Mount St. Joseph. Tip-off is at 2:00 pm, and the game can be watched live on the Yellow Jackets Sports Network at www.defianceathletics.com/video/.