FORT WAYNE – In a classic Crossroads League battle, Grace College’s women’s basketball team came up just short in its upset bid at No. 9 Saint Francis Saturday. The Lady Lancers (13-7; 4-4 CL), despite committing a season-worst 26 turnovers, missed a potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer and fell 63-60. Juaneice Jackson, who gave the Lady Cougars (18-2; 7-1 CL) fits with 26 points, handed Grace its largest lead of the game at 25-18 with a three-pointer midway through the first half. She made all three of her attempts from beyond the arc in the first half and was 4 of 5 on treys overall. Saint Francis turned up its offense late in the half, however, using a quick 8-1 run to fuel its 36-29 halftime advantage. The Lady Cougars maintained a small lead throughout the second half, holding a cushion of no larger than nine points but as small as one. Grace refused to back down from the ninth-ranked Lady Cougars, slicing the gap to one at 57-56 on a trey from Jackson with 3:35 to play. After a defensive stop on one end of the floor, Grace lost the ball and allowed Saint Francis to score to regain a three-point lead. This time, Emily Bidwell scored to pull the Lady Lancers within one with 57 seconds remaining. Grace looked to pull off the upset with a steal, but they quickly turned the ball over again and sent the Lady Cougars to the free throw line. Saint Francis made 3 of 4 from the foul line over their next two possessions to go ahead by four, but Allison Kauffman brought the Lady Lancers to within two with a quick basket. After a foul with four seconds remaining, Grace sent Saint Francis to the line. The Lady Cougars made the first shot and missed the second. Kauffman snagged the rebound, raced up the court and got off a 25-footer as time expired, but her potential game-tying shot hit the front of the rim and the Lady Cougars survived the threat of overtime. Overall, Grace held a plus-16 advantage in rebounding. Saint Francis attempted 10 more free throws than Grace (24-14) and also committed 12 fewer turnovers. Kauffman finished with 15 points and nine boards for Grace, and Bidwell and Lindsey Schaefer netted six points each. The Lady Lancers continue league play Wednesday at Marian before hosting Mount Vernon Nazarene Saturday. Kayla Drake led the Lady Cougars with 16 points and six assists, while Skylarr Shurn added 14 points and Brooke Ridley chipped in with 10 points.
