MADISON, WISC. - Madison College went toe-to-toe with the defending NJCAA Division III women's basketball national champions Tuesday inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium, however, a rough second quarter led to a sizable halftime deficit and, eventually, an 80-55 loss to in-state rival Western Technical College. The Cavaliers, who claimed the national title in 2020, oustcored the WolfPack 23-8 in the second quarter and finished with a 26-7 edge in points off turnovers en route to handing the home team its seventh straight loss. The 'Pack still owns a lead in the all-time series after 98 meetings, boasting 75 wins to 23 losses.

The two long-time rivals played a very competitive first quarter with Madison College owning a 5-4 lead and pulling even again at 11-11 before the Cavaliers finished the quarter on a 10-4 surge. The second quarter saw Western Tech put together scoring runs of six, seven, and six points as they took advantage of 12 WolfPack turnovers. Madison College recovered in the second half and put together a strong third quarter that they won 23-20. They committed just four turnovers and connected on six consecutive shots as part of an 8 for 15 effort that quarter. Trailing by 18 entering the final quarter, the WolfPack was unable to trim the deficit any farther as Western Technical College (1-6) increased their advantage throughout the final ten minutes.

Freshman Laurissa Pickel was tops offensively with a career-best 15 points on 6 of 13 shooting with three free throws. Two other players reached double-figures in scoring, with sophomore Olivia Marron tallying a dozen points and freshman Amareyna Knox dropped in 11 points to tie her previous career-high. Marron, a native of La Farge, Wisconsin, also led the team with eight rebounds and three blocks, while Viola Larson collected seven boards.

Overall, the WolfPack finished 23 of 64 (36%) from the floor, including a 2 for 15 (13%) effort from long range. They were 7 of 14 at the free throw line.Their 27 turnovers marked the second fewest in a game this season. Western Tech held advantages in rebounding (55-47), second chance scoring (15-5), interior points (36-30), and outside scoring (21-6).

Up Next:

Madison College (0-7) continues a busy stretch of six games in 12 days and hits the road on Thursday, December 2 to play at the College of Lake County (0-7). In eight all-time meetings, the WolfPack claims a 6-2 record against the Lancers. Tip off in Grayslake, Illinois, is at 5:15 p.m. and can be streamed live here.

Follow WolfPack women's basketball: Facebook | Twitter