Defiance drops game on the road to Bluffton, 62-44

BLUFFTON, Ohio - For the 105th time in program history, the Defiance College Yellow Jackets women's basketball team squared off against longtime foe, the Bluffton Beavers, at the Sommer Center on Monday evening. DC ended 2024 with a tough 62-44 loss after four hard-fought quarters.

Candyce Hollins pulled up from three for the first score of the game to put the Yellow Jackets (2-11, 1-6 WHAC) ahead of their rivals. After two quick buckets, the Beavers (7-4, 1-3 HCAC) were able to pull ahead by two halfway through the first quarter. In the final two minutes, Defiance outscored Bluffton 4-2, which was capped off by a single Hollins' free throw, setting it up for a chance to get on top in the second quarter. 

Jourdyn Wynn struck first when the second period began with a layup, which was followed by another Hollins 3-pointer, allowing the Yellow Jackets to get a 11-9 jump on the Beavers. Bluffton clawed back, eventually regaining the lead 19-18 as 3:25 remained on the clock, but DC's JaKiah Mitchell was able to drive to the basket and put the Yellow Jackets on top once again, which they were able to maintain for the remainder of the half. 

Defiance went into the locker room ahead 27-25 as Hollins led the scoring with nine points, as well as a trio of rebounds. 

Across the first three minutes of the second half, Bluffton sprinted out to a 32-37 lead. Just as a Wynn layup brought the Yellow Jackets within one, two successful free throws sparked a run for the Beavers as they hustled further ahead with nine consecutive points to finish the third quarter. Bluffton led Defiance 41-31 after three. 

The final quarter began with back-to-back layups from both teams, however, the Beaver's hurried-up offense continued to benefit them as they ran away with the victory. 

THE TURNING POINT

Defiance came out strong in the first half, ending it in the lead. However, Bluffton came out of halftime with all eyes on the basket, making the shots they struggled to find success with in the first half. The Yellow Jackets went 2-of-17 in field goals throughout the third quarter, which allowed the Beavers to build their lead and not let go. 

A CLOSER LOOK

• Candyce Hollins and JaKiah Mitchell led Defiance's scoring with 11 points each

• The Yellow Jackets gave up its lowest number of turnovers — 13

• DC shot better from the 3-point line than Bluffton at 33.3%

• With the Beaver's 17 turnovers, Defiance won the points-off-turnover battle with 18 to their 13

• Creedance Chittenden notched her first block of the season

• Mitchell led the Yellow Jackets in rebounds with seven

UP NEXT

Defiance will finish up its three-game road trip at Concordi's Cardinal Fieldhouse on Saturday. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m.

-JACKETS-