Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. (Jan 26, 2022) - Facing Augustana College for the second time this season, the North Central College women's basketball team could not complete the season sweep as they fell 64-56 in overtime to the Vikings on Wednesday night in the Carver Center.
The Vikings opened the game by scoring 10 of the first 11 points before Elle Sutter halted Augustana's run with a basket. Megan McClure cut into the deficit with back-to-back field goals. She then closed out the quarter with another jumper as the Vikings led 17-13. IxChel Leeuwenburgh closed the gap to three points on her layup with 5:40 left in the first half. Each team traded baskets to finish out the second quarter with Augustana on top 28-23.
Sutter came out firing in the third quarter by knocking down a three in the Cardinals' first possession of the half, cutting the lead to two, 28-26. The Vikings scored the next nine points before North Central responded with a 6-1 run to end the quarter.
Allison Pearson hit a three-pointer to begin the fourth quarter, followed by another three from Stephanie Kowalczyk to bring the Cardinals within one. On the next offensive possession, Leeuwenburgh gave North Central their first lead of the game with 5:45 to play in regulation. After the Vikings retook the lead, a Sutter three put the Cardinals back up by one with a minute to play. Leeuwenburgh split a pair of free throws before Gabriela Loiz of Augustana knocked down both free throws to send the game into overtime.
The Vikings controlled the overtime period by scoring 10 of the 12 points scored to secure their ninth win of the season, 64-56.
S. Kowalczyk led the Cardinals with 15 points with Sutter adding 11. Pearson finished with an impressive seven points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.Macy Beinborn scored 17 points to top all scorers for the Vikings.
North Central continues conference play as they host Wheaton on Saturday at 5 PM. Only pre-approved fans will be permitted, but you can find links to live video and stats HERE.
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