HICKORY, NO. CAR. - Monday's first round matchup between (19) Madison College and (14) Mid Michigan was truly a game of runs. Unfortunately for the WolfPack, the Lakers got the final run and claimed a 72-68 victory. The game marked Madison's first-ever appearance at the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championships and the program's eighth overall appearance at a national tournament. 

In a game that featured six lead changes and five ties, Mid Michigan (28-4) put together the first extended run using an 8-0 surge to take a 12-6 lead. The differential grew to as much as seven before Madison scored the final four points of the quarter to pull within 18-17. 

A quick three-pointer by Serinity Metcalfe regained a 20-18 edge in the second quarter, which saw the Lakers engineer an 18-6 burst after that shot to assume a ten-point differential at 36-26. The WolfPack then held MMC without a basket over the final five minutes of the quarter while using baskets from Metcalfe and Maddi DeSmet to head into halftime trailing 36-30.



Madison College dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Lakers 18-9. Mid Michigan sank a three-pointer nearly three minutes into the half to go up 43-35 and the WolfPack answered with a 10-0 run that was keyed by back-to-back three pointers from Metcalfe and Jamera Green. Green hit one more three in the final minute to send the Pack into the final ten minutes with a 48-45 advantage.

The 5'3" guard from Milwaukee, Wisconisn, kept it rolling right into the fourth quarter, scoring the first six points for Madison College en route to a 56-49 lead with 6:24 to play. Mid Michigan College then turned up the defensive pressure and offensive aggression to produce an 18-2 stretch for a nine point lead. Trying to keep their hopes for a win alive, Metcalfe scored the final ten points of the game for the WolfPack with two 3-pointers, a layup, and two free throws. The effort was only able to narrow the gap to four with seconds remaining in the game.



Metcalfe, a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, finished with 28 points, half of which came in the fourth quarter. The 5'7" guard was 10 for 22 overall, including a 4 for 8 effort beyond the arc, and was a perfect 4 for 4 at the free throw line. It is her 16th game this season with 20 or more points, and moves her into fourth on the Madison College single season scoring list with 599 points. Metcalfe also had four rebounds, four steals, and three assists.

Green racked up 17 points with a 7 for 16 performance from the field that was highlighted by three 3-pointers. She has made three or more shots from long range in seven games this season.

DeSmet nearly posted a double-double as the first year forward had 15 points and nine rebounds. The former Belleville HS athlete, who scored ten of her points in the first half, was 5 for 12 overall and 5 for 5 at the stripe.

Sophomore Maia Ellis added eight points and nine rebounds as only four players scored for Madison College.

The WolfPack shot 36% (26-71) on the night, 27% (7-26) from three-point range, and 100% (9-9) at the free throw line. The WolfPack took advantage of 15 offensive rebounds to generate an 18-5 advantage in second chance points.

Up Next:

Madison College (24-5) drops into the consolation tournament and will play Wednesday, March 18 against (11) CCBC Essex (26-4). Tip off is set for 6:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. CT.

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