STORM LAKE, Iowa (Duhawks.com) – The Loras women's basketball team utilized effective ball movement and shooting efficiency to defeat Buena Vista 71–68 in the team's final road contest of the regular season on Saturday. Senior Kaitlin Phillips led the Duhawks with 19 points, four rebounds and three assists. Juniors Kat Cabrera (13) and Lori Obendorf (13) also finished in double-digits.

TURNING POINT 
With 3:44 remaining in the fourth, sophomore Miranda Chapman sunk a 3-pointer to give the Duhawks (15-8, 8-4 IIAC) an 11-point lead. Although the Beavers (14-9, 8-4 IIAC) did close the gap in the final minutes, the advantage was too large to overcome.

HOW IT HAPPENED 
First Quarter 
Although the Duhawks were first on the scoreboard with a layup from junior Lori Obendorf, the first quarter consisted of both teams exchanging baskets. The Beavers played mostly from behind the arc as they attempted 16 3-pointers in the first half, converting on six. Loras, on the other hand, was more successful from inside the arc.

The Duhawks' offensive strategy in the first quarter proved to be effective as it kept them neck-and-neck with the Beavers. Loras utilized efficient ball movement and patiently waited for the right opportunity to take their shots. After the back-and-forth action, another layup from Obenforf gave the Duhawks a 21-20 lead to end the first.

Second Quarter 
Loras began the second period with a renewed sense energy. The team executed an 11-2 run in the opening minutes, jumping out to a 32-22 lead in the process. Phillips started the run with a layup followed by a free throw.
  
With half the quarter left to play, the Beavers found themselves in foul trouble giving the Duhawks opportunities at the free throw line. Loras used this to their advantage, finishing the half with a 75 percent efficiency mark from the charity stripe. Despite Buena Vista gaining ground with 14 first half-points from Becca Pennington, Loras held a 40-34 lead at halftime.

Third Quarter 
Back and forth action again presented itself to start the third quarter, but it was Loras who maintained the advantage for much of the stanza.The Duhawks looked to their perimeter play as both Phillips and senior Megan Jones drained 3-pointers to aid in the efforts.

An aggressive Jasmyn Flynn-Graves helped the Beavers cut the deficit Loras created with her game-high 24 points. With 1:22 left in the period, Flynn-Graves scored a layup to bring her side to within two at 53-51. Two free-throws from junior Terese McMahon kept Loras in front with a 55-51 advantage entering the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter 
Free-throws and 3-pointers continued to aid the Duhawks' efforts in the fourth quarter. Whenever Buena Vista came within striking distance, Loras was quick to pad their lead.

With 14 seconds left in the contest, the Beavers had posession, trailing by three. Buena Vista worked the ball into their leading scorer, Pennington, but her shot attempt was blocked by Phillips, sealing the Duhawk victory, 71-68.

FRIEDMAN GROUP PLAYER OF THE GAME  
Kaitlin Phillips | Phillips scored a team-high 19 points in addition to hauling in four rebounds and dishing out three assists. Entering the final week of the season, Phillips is eight points away from joining Loras' elite 1,000 Point Club.

SOUNDBITES | Justin Heinzen

UP NEXT 
The Duhawks will play the first of their final two conference matchups at home on Wednesday, Feb. 17 against Central. The Dutch (4-18, 1-10 IIAC) suffered a 70-53 loss to Wartburg on Saturday. Loras looks to complete a season sweep of Central after topping them 77–54 earlier this season.

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