Women's Basketball rallies late, but falls in tight 68-63 game at No. 18 Trine (Ind.)

Women's Basketball rallies late, but falls in tight 68-63 game at No. 18 Trine (Ind.)
Box Score
November 23, 2024

ANGOLA, Ind. — The Ohio Northern women's basketball team fell in a close 68-63 game at No. 18-ranked Trine (Ind.) on Saturday afternoon.

The Basics

  • Records: Ohio Northern (3-1 Overall), #18 Trine (Ind) (4-1 Overall).
  • Venue: MTI Center - Angola, Ind.

The Game

  • Fifth-year senior Kristen Luersman (Fort Jennings) led Ohio Northern with 13 points and nine rebounds.
  • Senior Abi Akamine (Lahaina, Hawaii/Lahainaluna) added nine points and a team-high four assists while junior Mackenzie Suprano (Cutler/Waterford) had eight points and five rebounds.
  • Trine led 14-13 after a close first quarter with five lead changes.
  • The Thunder extended their lead to 40-31 at halftime.
  • After three quarters, Trine led 57-44.
  • Northern trailed 62-44 just 48 seconds into the fourth quarter, but stormed back with a furious rally.
  • A 4-point play by freshman Courtney Sumner (Ada) pulled the Polar Bears within 64-54 with 5:01 left.
  • Back-to-back threes by Luersman got Ohio Northern within 66-63 with 1:35 to go to cap a 19-4 run.
  • Twice ONU had the ball with a chance to tie in the final minute, but both possessions resulted in turnovers and the Thunder was able to hang on for the win.
  • Ohio Northern made 23-of-48 field goals for 47.9 percent and was 9-of-22 from beyond the arc for 40.9 percent while Trine was 24-of-53 from the floor for 45.3 percent and finished 12-of-31 on 3-pointers for 38.7 percent.
  • The Polar Bears made 8-of-11 free throws for 72.7 percent and the Thunder were 8-of-10 from the line for 80.0 percent.
  • ONU out-rebounded TU 31-25.

Notables

  • Ohio Northern is now 3-5 all-time against Trine (Ind.).
  • Luersman is now 14th in ONU history with 547 career rebounds.
  • This is the 53rd season of Ohio Northern women's basketball. The Polar Bears are now 762-509 all-time in program history for a winning percentage of .600.
  • Fifth-year head coach Mark Huelsman is now 72-31 at Ohio Northern for a winning percentage of .699.

Up Next

  • The Polar Bears return to action Tuesday when they host No. 24 Ohio Wesleyan at ONU Sports Center at 2 p.m.