Final swings the other way in career day from Hollins

SYLVANIA, Ohio -  A strong first half by the Defiance College Yellow Jackets led by Candyce Hollins in her career day wasn't enough to fend off the Lourdes Gray Wolves on Saturday at Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center. The home team ultimately prevailed 88-56.

Kicking off the scoring was Morgan Crowe with a jumper to get on the board first. Lourdes responded with four-straight buckets to take an 8-2 lead. In the final three minutes of the first quarter, Defiance hit hot hands with 10-quick points to inch in on the Gray Wolves' advantage. As 57 seconds remained before the buzzer, Candyce Hollins, who missed last game against Northwestern Ohio, got a steal and a layup to make it a 3-point game. 

Straight out of the gate, Lourdes' Nadeen Jemaa pulled up for a three. Twenty-three seconds later, Hollins returned the favor. With 7:16 on the clock, Defiance trailed 22-19, but a series where the Gray Wolves missed a three and Chandler Duncan secured the rebound sending the ball the other way, created an open opportunity for Ali Mowen to tie the game from beyond the arc. For nearly the next six minutes, Lourdes stole back the momentum going on a 9-0 run, which lasted until Duncan and Hollins scored back-to-back twos. The half ended with a Gray Wolves layup as they led 33-26. Last time out against Lourdes on Nov. 23, 2024, the Orange and Black had a 43-16 lead heading into the locker room. 

The first five points out of the half came from Gray Wolves. Hollins and Crowe each contributed layups as the clock ran through the third quarter; Hollins notched her 16th and 17th points on the day. In the next six minutes, Lourdes was able to find success in the paint with six baskets. With one quarter to go, Defiance trailed 57-36, while Hollins led all scorers with 20 points. 

In the final period, the Gray Wolves were able to build upon their lead with the help of the home crowd, earning the victory. However, 24 points from Hollins was a career-high for the freshman, as well as the individual game-high by any Yellow Jacket this season. 

The two teams have met only twice in program history, which is now led 2-0 by Lourdes. 

THE TURNING POINT

The second quarter was a battlefield for both teams as Lourdes fought to set out with a clear lead, but Defiance kept creeping in to keep it close. The Gray Wolves started the period out with a slight, 3-point advantage until Ali Mowen called the game even at 22. DC only allowed Lourdes to get ahead by five up to the break even point, which then prompted an 11-4 Gray Wolves run to end the quarter. The home team came out of the half firing, creating a difficult outing for the Yellow Jackets to continue their scoring ways. Lourdes was able to hold on throughout the remainder of the contest to secure a five-game winning streak. 

A CLOSER LOOK

• Candyce Hollins led the scoring with 24 points, which is the most by any Yellow Jacket this season, as well as an individual high

• San'Taizia Thomas notched another block for the Purple and Gold — her 17th

• Hollins was one rebound away from a double-double as she tacked on nine rebounds

• Defiance made 7-of-8 baskets from the free-throw line, which is 36% better than its average

• The Yellow Jackets scored its most points of the day in the fourth quarter, 20, which was accompanied by a field-goal percentage of 44.4 (the highest of the game)

• Last time out against the Gray Wolves, Defiance shot a season-low 6.3% from three. Today's game featured an improved 23.8% from 3-point range

UP NEXT

After a four-game road trip, the Yellow Jackets return to Karl H. Weaner Center for a Wednesday matchup against Siena Heights. DC played the Saints in its season-opener on Nov. 5, 2024 and Siena Heights prevailed 76-53. Tipoff for the rematch is set for 5:30 p.m. and the men are to follow. 

-JACKETS-