Second Half Comeback Falls Short in Exciting HCAC Contest at MSJ

CINCINNATI, OHIO - The second half comeback fell short as the Yellow Jackets dropped an exciting Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup at Mount St. Joseph on Saturday afternoon, 59-55. 

Defiance (3-12 overall, 2-6 HCAC) was led on the day by senior Sam Ervin (Bloomdale/Elmwood) with a team-high 11 points and six rebounds, while junior Sidney Faine (Bluffton/Ada) added nine points including a team-high three, three-pointers.

The Purple and Gold came alive in the second half as they opened the third quarter connecting on back-to-back shots to cut the 11 point halftime deficit to 32-25 with just over six minutes to play in the period. The hot shooting continued for DC as a three-pointer by Faine tied the contest 42-42 with just under a minute remaining. They would finially take the lead as time expired following another deep ball connection from Faine, 45-42.

In the final period of action, the Yellow Jackets and Lions exchanged points for several minutes before a 5-0 run by Mount St. Joseph gave them the late 54-49 advantage. However, Faine deemed clutch again as she netted her third three-pointer of the half to pull DC back within 54-52 with 2:36 to play. Again MSJ answered with a three-pointer of their own to push the lead back to five, 57-52, with just under two minutes remaining. The Yellow Jackets continued to chip at the lead as senior Lauren Rogers (Mungger, Mich./Bay City Central) knocked down a pair of free throws with 1:28 to play to pull within 57-54. However, MSJ deemed to much as they were able to hold on for the 59-55 victory. 

Defiance returns to action on Wednesday, January 16 as they travel to Earlham. Tipp off is set for 7:30 p.m.