TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — The Wright State women's basketball program took care of business on the road, handing Indiana State a 72-63 loss on Saturday afternoon at the Hulman Center.
Layne Ferrell led the Raiders (2-2) with an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double, going 5-for-8 from the field, 2-for-2 on 3-pointers, and 6-for-6 on free throws.
Alexis Hutchison scored a season-high and game-leading 26 points, while
Cara VanKempen and
Kacee Baumhower notched eight points apiece.
WSU shot an efficient 42.6 percent (26-of-61) overall, which included nine 3-point makes and an 11-of-13 (84.6%) mark at the charity stripe. The Raiders scored 15-plus points in all four quarters while also besting Indiana State in fastbreak points (16-10) and bench points (12-10).
Wright State's defense limited the Sycamores (1-3) to just two 3-point makes while turning 16 ISU turnovers into 15 points. The Raiders recorded nine steals and six blocks in addition to pulling down a season-high 11 offensive rebounds. Ferrell paved the way with five offensive boards, four steals, and three blocks.
Rachel Loobie added eight rebounds and two blocks.
The Raiders raced out to a hot start in the road contest, leading 17-10 after one quarter of play. WSU shot 46.7% (7-of-15) from the field in the first quarter compared to a 23.1% (3-of-13) shooting mark by the Sycamores.
Wright State opened the second quarter on a 10-4 run to extend its lead to 27-14 with 6:12 left in the half. Ferrell hit a 3-pointer at the 4:23 minute mark to push WSU's edge to a game-high 15 points, 34-19, and entered the halftime break in front 38-27.
Wright State finished the first half 48.4% (15-of-31) on field goals, which included 10 assists and 11 fast break points. Hutchison paced the first-half charge with 16 points, while Ferrell contributed on both ends with eight points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Indiana State cut its deficit to 45-37 with 5:16 left in the third quarter. However, Wright State closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to get its lead back to double-digit, 53-39. Back-to-back threes by Hutchison and
Makiya Miller anchored the late run.
The Sycamores surged back in the fourth quarter, reducing their deficit to 68-63 with 1:48 to go. The Raiders halted the late charge, as Ferrell and Hutchison knocked down two free throws apiece in the closing minutes to seal the Raiders' 72-63 victory.
Ferrell was at her best in the fourth quarter, totaling 10 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and one steal. WSU also went a perfect 9-for-9 at the charity stripe in the closing 10 minutes of play.
