Wiley Wildcats Fall Short in Close Match Against Tougaloo College

Wiley University’s women’s basketball team faced a difficult challenge on March 15, 2024, losing 63-58 to Tougaloo College in a matchup within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC). Despite a strong performance on the boards, the Lady Wildcats struggled to find their shooting rhythm, resulting in their second loss in three games this season. The team now stands at 10-4 overall and 5-2 in the HBCUAC, having split their season series with the Lady Bulldogs.

Rebounding Efforts Not Enough

Wiley dominated the rebounding battle, out-rebounding Tougaloo 49-34, which translated into 15 second-chance points. Despite this advantage, the Lady Wildcats’ shooting woes significantly hindered their performance. They managed to convert just 27.6% of their field goals, while the Lady Bulldogs shot at a 34% rate. Brandy Jones and Jessica Nerestant led Wiley with 10 points each, while Nerestant also achieved her first double-double of the season with 11 rebounds. Kelechi Dike added to the team’s defense, matching Nerestant’s rebound total with 11 boards and contributing six points.

The match began as a competitive affair, with Wiley trailing 15-13 at the end of the first quarter. The Lady Wildcats fell behind by six points early in the second quarter but quickly responded. A pair of three-pointers from Jones and Moriah Burley sparked a rally that saw Wiley take a 24-23 lead with 4:33 remaining in the half. After a brief surge from Tougaloo, Mijanae Berry scored twice, helping Wiley regain the lead. Following a steal by Berry, Keimora Banks added a layup, extending their advantage to five points. The Lady Wildcats entered halftime with a 36-31 lead.

Second Half Struggles

However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Wiley experienced a scoring drought, failing to register a field goal for several minutes until the 6:23 mark. This lapse allowed Tougaloo to reclaim the lead. The shooting struggles continued into the fourth quarter, with Wiley managing only one field goal in the first 3:30. The deficit grew to as many as nine points before Mia Thomas hit two late shots, narrowing the gap to three points with just over two minutes remaining. Unfortunately, Wiley could only score once more in the closing moments of the game.

The turnover battle was nearly even, with Tougaloo holding a slight edge at 24-23. Wiley outperformed the Lady Bulldogs in transition, scoring 23 points off turnovers compared to Tougaloo’s 19.

Looking ahead, the Lady Wildcats will return to Marshall, Texas, for an important homestand. They are set to host HBCUAC West Division leader Paul Quinn College on Thursday, followed by a matchup against Huston-Tillotson University on Saturday. With their season at a crucial juncture, the team will aim to bounce back from this recent defeat and improve their standings within the conference.