Yellow Jackets defeated on the road 72-56

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. - Defiance College took on Rochester Christian at Garth Pleasant Arena on Wednesday night in its 12th Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup of the season. The Warriors prevailed 72-56. 

Taylor Haynes put the Yellow Jackets (3-16, 1-11 WHAC) on the board first with a quick layup within two minutes. Rochester Christian (6-14, 5-7 WHAC) countered with a 10-point run, which was interrupted with 2:47 remaining in the first quarter.

As the Warriors led 18-4 heading into the second, Defiance began by outscoring the opponent 11-5 in the first four minutes. The teams vyed back-and-forth — RCU still with the edge — though its second-quarter points fell short of the Yellow Jackets' 18. Chandler Duncan and Candyce Hollins each contributed with five points each. Heading into the half, the Warriors held onto a 33-22 lead, while Defiance shot an impressive 40.9% from the field. 

In the third quarter, DC found success to come within 10 points on three different occasions, though Rochester Christian was able to stay on top, leading 56-43 with one period left. Though the Yellow Jackets put up X fourth-quarter points, it was not enough to overcome their deficit. 

THE TURNING POINT

In the third quarter, Defiance slimmed the Warriors lead to 10 three times within six minutes of play, credit to a JaKiah Mitchell free throw and tip-in, and Alante Taylor's second 3-pointer of the night. However, RCU's strong offensive attack kept fighting to increase its lead with its main contributor, Jacey Somers, putting up 21 points.  

A CLOSER LOOK

• Taylor Haynes led Defiance in scoring with 13 points, close behind was Chandler Duncan with 12 

• Haynes notched five boards and two assists, as well

• Rochester Christian was outrebounded 39-31

• DC had 30 points from the bench — eight more than the Warriors' contributed

• The Yellow Jackets dominated in second-chance points with 13

• San'Taizia Thomas continued her block-full season with another, making it 14 on the season

UP NEXT

The Yellow Jackets continue their road stint in Livonia, Mich. against the Madonna Crusaders on Saturday. This will be Defiance's eighth Saturday game and 13th against a WHAC opponent. Tipoff is at 1 p.m. and the men will follow. 

-JACKETS-