Clinton–The shots just would not fall for the William Penn women’s basketball team as it dropped a 61-50 non-conference decision to host Ashford as part of the Ashford Classic Sunday.

The Statesmen (3-5) made only 22.4% of their field goals, while the Saints (1-7) shot 37.5% on the afternoon.

Already trailing 13-10 after the first 10 minutes of play, WPU took it on the chin in the second quarter to fall behind 34-21 at halftime.

Despite winning the third (13-12) and fourth periods (16-15), the navy and gold could never get closer than a nine-point deficit in the second half.  The Statesmen were also outrebounded 38-36 and lost the free-throw battle (20-11 in made attempts).  The team’s lone saving grace was its ball control as it had just 13 turnovers compared to 17 for AU.

Vashti Nwagbaraocha (Fr., Milwaukee, Wis., Exercise Science) took advantage of numerous trips to the charity stripe, going 10-for-14 at the line en route to a team-high 16 points.  She also paced all participants with 13 rebounds in addition to two blocks and two steals.

Ashlee Harper (Sr., Los Angeles, Calif., Education) was also in double digits with 10 points, while Alyssa Phillips (Jr., Gurnee, Ill., Communications) added eight andKadejah Young (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn., Physical Education) posted four with three assists.

“We did not make shots tonight, but at least we attempted them from the outside,” Head Coach Willie Scott said.  “We now need to get our players to shoot with confidence.  Ashford’s 2-3 zone was very effective against us.  Our strength is in the blocks and we have to make shots on the perimeter and did not do that.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Des Moines Wednesday to face Grand View in Heart of America Athletic Conference action at 5:30 p.m.

Story provided by Wade Steinlage