Jackets Clinch HCAC Tournament Spot with Win Over Bluffton

DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Defiance College women's basketball team secured a spot in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament by beating Bluffton, 77-68. The Yellow Jackets had five players post double digits. [Video Highlights]

The Jackets jumped out to an early 6-2 advantage behind a layup by sophomore Kim Bingley, two free throws from senior Brook Zachrich and a layup by junior Kim Comden. The Beavers got back into contention with a 8-4 run to bring the score to 11-10 in favor of Defiance with 16:10 left in the opening frame.

The teams tied 13-13 after six minutes had passed in the first half before DC used an 8-2 spurt to take a 21-15 lead. Sophomore Hannah Harshman led the Jackets during the run by scoring six of the eight points, while junior Emma Starks added the other basket.

Defiance built an eight-point lead twice during the last five minutes of action in the opening session. The Jackets led 28-20 at 4:48 after a jumper by freshman Jesse Arnold, and 30-22 after Arnold connected on two shots from the charity stripe. DC went into the break holding a 32-26 lead over Bluffton.

Bluffton came out strong to start the first half and cut the lead to one point, 42-41, at 11:58 on a shot by Brittany Stegmaier. Leading 51-49 with 6:56 left in the game, Defiance got a huge boost from junior guard Rachel Ciminillo. Ciminillo scored nine of DC's next 14 points to give the Yellow Jackets a 65-56 lead with 3:56 left in the game.

Defiance built a lead of 12 points, 75-63, with 30 seconds on the clock, and cruised to the nine-point victory by hitting free throws down the stretch. Sophomore Erica King sealed the game with four straight free throws in the last thirty second. A late layup by Bluffton brought the game to a close, 77-68.

King led the Jackets with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win. Arnold scored 14 points on four-of-seven shooting, while Comden finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Harshman ended the contest with 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists, while Ciminillo was the fifth Yellow Jacket to hit double figures with 10 points and five rebounds.

Defiance held a 37-27 edge on the glass and produced 14 offensive rebounds. The defense forced Bluffton into 17 turnovers. For the game, Defiance shot 24-of-57 (42.1%) from the floor and 25-31 (80.6%) from the line.

With the win, Defiance improves to 11-13 overall and 9-8 in the HCAC. Bluffton, which was led by 16 points from Rachel Daman, falls to 8-16 overall and 6-11 in the league.

The Yellow Jackets will return to action on Saturday, February 18 when they host HCAC leader Franklin. Game-time is scheduled for 2:00 pm and can be viewed on the Yellow Jackets Sports Network at www.defianceathletics.com/mediazone/sportsnetwork/.