The Wildcats welcomed the SEC’s Arkansas Razorbacks to Moody Saturday afternoon and fell 80-68.
Junior forward Lexie Ducat led the way for the Wildcats in their loss scoring 19 points and eight rebounds, while also shooting 9-14 from the field and showing her range by dropping a three pointer in the second half.
In the first quarter, both teams were trying to assert themselves. There were five lead changes and two ties alone in that quarter where Abilene Christian led 16-14 heading into the second segment.
The Razorbacks opened on a 14-6 run to start the second quarter and took a five point lead, but the Wildcats answered back later in the quarter with a run of their own to take a 37-32 lead.
ACU was shooting 47 percent on 14-30 shooting and 3-7 on three point attempts. Junior guard Breanna Wright had 11 points at the end of the second quarter shooting 3-6 from the court. At the half, the Razorbacks had taken a slim lead at 42-39.
Entering the third quarter, Arkansas showed determination by never losing the lead in the entire segment. They led at one moment by eight points, but Abilene Christian stormed back to win the quarter trailing by only two points entering the fourth quarter.
To begin the final segment, the Razorbacks once again opened on a run, but this time the Wildcats had no answer. The lead increased to 16 with under four minutes to play.
ACU had played relatively safe throughout the first three quarters protecting the basketball at all costs. In the fourth quarter, however, they had six turnovers, which was a key factor late in the game.
After the final buzzer, Head coach Julie Goodenough said she proud of her team despite the loss.
“We played well down the stretch, but ultimately turnovers is what killed us in the fourth quarter.” Goodenough said.
Junior guard Alexis Tolefree for Arkansas was also a key factor scoring 21 points in the game, shooting 8-16, draining five threes and playing adequate defense with five steals.
Up next, Arkansas hosts Prairie View A&M Dec. 16 hoping to win three straight. Meanwhile, Abilene Christian falls to 7-2 and will travel to play Florida Gulf Coast Dec. 17 at 6:05 p.m.
