Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

Box Score

Feb. 18, 2021 - Making a strong bid for a second consecutive victory, the North Central College women's basketball team erased an early double-digit deficit against Carthage College Thursday and forged a lead late in the game. However, an ill-timed scoring drought conspired against the Cardinals, who ultimately succumed by a score of 70-62.

Carthage made 7 of its first 12 shots to take a 19-7 lead over the Cardinals after eight minutes had elapsed. The hosts were able to cut into that gap significantly late in the quarter, as Stephanie Kowalczyk sank a three-pointer, Mitrese Smith scored inside and Allison Pearson closed the half by beating the first-period buzzer with a baseline jumper. 

The Cardinals kept the pressure on as the second period began, briefly taking the lead at 21-20 after a steal by Elle Sutter led to a three-pointer by Pearson. Carthage quickly rallied and led by as many as six before taking a 36-33 advantage into halftime. 

Pearson opened the third period by knocking down a three-pointer to tie the contest at 36-36, then Haydn Braun sank a triple of her own and Rebekah Foley took a steal the other way for a layup. Carthage rallied to take the lead once again, 47-46, before the Cardinals closed the quarter with a three-pointer from Pearson, a layup by IxChel Leeuwenburgh and a three-point play by Haydn Braun to take a 54-50 lead into the fourth quarter.

The hosts owned a 62-56 advantage with 5:09 to play before hitting a dry spell on the offensive end which persisted to the end of the game. The Cardinals did not score again as Carthage closed the game with a 14-0 scoring run.

Pearson led North Central with a season-high 21 points, including five made three-pointers, while Braun scored 10 points and Smith finished with eight points, nine rebounds and six assists. Lauren Knight led Carthage with 21 points, Ayanna Ester scored 11 and Bridget Barrett contributed 10 points and 11 boards.
 
North Central travels to Carthage for a return engagement on Saturday. Tipoff at Tarble Arena is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Click HERE for live coverage options.

Download the free North Central Cardinals app, available for iOS and Android devices, to receive up-to-the-minute news, scores and updates on your favorite North Central teams. Click HERE for more information.