MADISON, WISC. - The Madison College women's basketball team had the defending North Central Community College Conference champions on the ropes Saturday at H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium, but a nine-point halftime lead slipped away in a 79-74 loss to Rock Valley College. Guards Aniah Williams and Mrylena Stewart led three double-digit scorers for the WolfPack, who were outscored 27-16 over the final ten minutes by the #4-ranked Golden Eagles. The final result marks the seventh straight loss to RVC and puts the head-to-head record at 18-23 for the 'Pack.

A 7-0 run during the first quarter put the WolfPack ahead 13-5, however, the home team was unable to add to the advantage as they finished the quarter with eight consecutive missed shots while Rock Valley College (12-6, 2-0) tallied six points to close within a basket. Still ahead by a pair with four minutes to play in the half, Madison College went on an 11-4 surge that included Stewart's second three-pointer of the quarter and put the 'Pack ahead 36-27 going into halftime. The lead reached a game-high 15 six minutes into the half on a Williams bomb, however, a 10-0 burst keyed a 15-6 push to close the quarter for the Golden Eagles. Up ten to start the final period, the advantage was immediately wiped away by eight consecutive points. It remained a two-possession game into the final minute when RVC went 5 for 6 from the free throw line to keep the WolfPack at bay.

Williams posted 24 points on 9 of 21 shooting with three 3-pointers and a 3 for 5 effort at the line. The All-American guard now boasts six games this season of 20 or more points. Williams also had three assists and three rebounds.

Stewart, a guard from Madison, Wisconsin, filled the stat sheet with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, to go along with a steal and a blocked shot. The point and rebound totals set new career-high marks for Stewart, who has scored in double-figures in back-to-back games and four times this season. She finished the day 6 of 15 overall, matched a career-best with four 3-pointers, and was a perfect 4 for 4 at the charity stripe.



Forward Lilly Dorman racked up 13 points on 4 of 11 shooting and a 5 for 6 effort at the free throw line. The sophomore, who also had five rebounds, two blocks, and two assists, has had ten or more points in three of the last four games and seven games overall. Fellow second year forward Olivia Marron led the WolfPack rebounding effort with eight and scored six points.

Rock Valley College collected three more rebounds, though Madison College owned a 20-13 edge in second chance points. The Golden Eagles held a 40-30 lead in points in the paint and a narrow 20-18 advantage in points off turnovers after committing four fewer miscues.

Up Next:

Madison College (8-6, 0-2), which is winless through two N4C games for the second consecutive year, travels to Harper College (0-12, 0-1) on Wednesday, January 8. The WolfPack is currently riding a 14-game win streak over the Hawks and are 16-2 all-time. Game time in Palatine, Illinois, is at 5:00 p.m.

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