MOLINE, ILL. - A fourth quarter comeback attempt nearly earned the Madison College women's basketball team a Region 4 victory on Saturday; however, they narrowly dropped a tightly contested 72-64 game at Black Hawk College. Freshman Dani Latz led the way with career-best numbers in points, rebounds, and blocks, while also picking up her 11th consecutive double-double. The Braves lead the all-time series by a 2-1 count.

In the opening quarter, freshman Jaida Gaskins knocked down the game's first three-pointer to give the WolfPack a 7-4 advantage nearly four minutes into the game. Black Hawk College (8-6) answered with a 10-5 surge and held a two-point lead going into the second quarter. The differential grew to as high as eight on a few occasions in the second quarter as the Braves tried to pull away. At the break, BHC led 29-22.

A high-scoring third quarter saw both teams put up 24 points. A Black Hawk College layup with 5:12 to play in the quarter gave the home team its first double-digit lead at 41-31. The WolfPack came right back with eight consecutive points to make it a one-possession game before BHC put up another 10-5 surge to take a 53-46 edge into the fourth quarter.



Madison College, however, was not ready to give up and scored the first eight points of the fourth quarter to put the visitors up 54-53, their first lead since the opening quarter. Unfortunately, the advantage was short-lived as the Braves responded with a 9-0 run. Freshman Aubrey Maass sank her second three-pointer with 2:20 remaining to close the gap to 64-60, but the Pack could not get any closer en route to the eight point setback.

Latz was a dominant force throughout Saturday's game, finishing with career-highs of 20 points, 19 rebounds, and six blocked shots, while also posting her 11th straight double-double. The 5'10" forward from Bloomer, Wisconsin, made 10 of 21 field goals as she reached 20 points for the second time this season. Her 19 boards included nine offensive rebounds. 



Three others were also in double-figures, with Keelyn Zwirschitz adding 13 points and six rebounds. The first year guard out of Antigo, Wisconsin, was 5 for 9 overall and made 2 of her 3 tries from beyond the arc, as well as her lone free throw attempt. Maass and Hannah Solie also each were successful twice from three-point range, with Maass racking up 12 points and Solie going for ten. Solie also dished out a career-best seven assists for the second consecutive game. 

Madison College finished 24 of 66 (36%) overall, 7 for 20 (35%) from three, and 9 for 12 (75%) at the free throw line. Black Hawk College shot 39% (28-71) from the floor, 31% (7-22) from distance, and 64% (9-14) at the stripe. The Braves took advantage of a 42-26 edge in points in the paint and a 15-7 lead in points off turnovers.

Up Next:

Madison College (6-7) is back home at H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium on Wednesday, January 15 against in-state and Region 4 foe, Bryant & Stratton College (7-7). The Bobcats own a 4-3 lead in the all-time series, with the team's slated to meet again on February 6. Tip off is at 5:30 p.m. and can be live streamed at MadisonCollege.TV.

Wednesday will also be MLK Celebration Day, with Madison College Athletics celebrating the lasting legacy on Dr. Martin Luther King on his birthday and just five days ahead of the national holiday in his honor.

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