MALTA, ILL. - The Madison College women's basketball team erased a five-point halftime deficit with a dominant fourth quarter to end 2018 - and the non-conference portion of their schedule - with an 84-73 road win over Region IV foe Kishwaukee College on Saturday, December 29. Freshmen Evonne Strahm and Jayla Connor accounted for 2/3 of the team's offense as the WolfPack win streak improved to ten straight after opening the season 0-3. The 'Pack went 10-3 against non-conference opponents, while also improving to 15-8 all-time against the Kougars with three consecutive wins.

Madison College, which is receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division III Poll, fell behind 7-0 early before scoring eight straight points and eventually trailed 13-11 after the first quarter. NJCAA Division II Kishwaukee College (5-10) eventually grew the lead to five points at the half, despite the WolfPack taking an 18-17 advantage less than four minutes into the second quarter. An ultra-competitive third quarter witnessed seven lead changes before settling for a 58-58 tie. A 10-2 run to open the fourth quarter gave the 'Pack an eight point advantage, it's largest of the game so far. With three minutes left to play, the score still within two possessions at 75-69, the WolfPack slammed the door shut with a 7-1 burst that extended the lead to a dozen with less than a minute remaining. 

The WolfPack controlled the interior with a 60-28 edge in points in the paint and a 10-3 lead in second chance scoring, while also owning a 17-5 differential in points off turnovers despite committing three more miscues than the Kougars. Madison College shot 46.5% (33-71) for the game and made just 1 of 9 (11.1%) three-point attempts, compared to a 34.3% (23-67) effort overall and a 6 for 20 (30%) mark from long range for Kishwaukee. The two teams combined to shoot 59 free throws, with the home team making 21 of 30 (70%) and the visitors connecting on 17 of 29 (58.6%).

Forward Evonne Strahm went 10 for 19 from the field and made 9 of 11 free throws for a game-high 29 points, her second-highest scoring total of the season and the second straight game with 20 or more points. The native of New Glarus, Wisconsin, also registered her sixth consecutive double-double with a team-best 11 rebounds. Strahm also led the 'Pack with five steals.

Fellow first year forward Jayla Connor scored a career-best 27 points on 11 of 18 shooting and a 5 for 9 effort at the charity stripe. The former Madison East High School athlete narrowly missed her own double-double with nine rebounds, while also picking up three assists and two blocks.

Only three other WolfPack players scored in the game, with freshman guards Johnetta Walters and Aniah Williams dropping in 14 and 12 points, respectively. Walters came off the bench to match season-high's in points and minutes played (29), while also establishing a new career-high of nine rebounds.

Up Next: 

Madison College (10-3) will begin North Central Community College Conference play on Thursday, January 3 with a home game against Joliet Junior College (9-6). The Wolves are currently ranked #7 in the NJCAA Division III Poll and have ended the WolfPack's season in each of the past two region tournament semifinals. Madison College did sweep the regular season series against JJC in 2017-18 and own an 18-12 advantage in the all-time series. Tip off at H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium is at 5:30 p.m.

All home Madison College women's basketball games can be streamed live at MadisonCollege.tv.

Follow WolfPack women's basketball: Facebook | Twitter