SYLVANIA — The Lourdes University women’s basketball team wrapped up the home portion of the regular season on Saturday afternoon, winning an 83-73 decision over the University of Northwestern Ohio inside the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center.
Two Perrysburg grads had major double-digit contributions — Nadeen Jemaa hit key back-to-back three-point goals and had 16 points and a team-high eight rebounds and Macie Stringfellow scored 15 points as the Gray Wolves won their second straight game.
“The team is really focused on continuing to grow every day and reaching their goal,” Lourdes coach Tandy Bradford said.
“We are really proud of their focus on our game plan and supporting each other. It was really great to see our bench step up and do their roles when we needed them to.
“It is so important right now at this time of year that we continue to stay locked in and enjoy the game. Really appreciate all the support this season here at the rec.”
In a game that had 17 lead changes and seven ties, it was Shae Pedroza’s (Napoleon) basket with 47.9 seconds to play that gave the Gray Wolves the lead for good, 79-78. After a Maddie Norton (Temperance Bedford, Mich.) steal, Pedroza made two free throws to push the lead to three with 14 ticks left on the clock.
Following a UNOH timeout, the Lourdes defense force a five-second violation getting the ball inbounds and Mercedes Wagner (Sherwood Fairview) then capped the game with a lay-up on the ensuing possession.
Lourdes jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead in the opening quarter, making five of its first six shots from the floor. The Racers answered with a 10-2 run to take the lead and pushed the advantage to four, 21-17, after 10 minutes.
The lead then bounced back and fourth in the second period before the Gray Wolves took a 42-41 lead into the locker room.
The Gray Wolf lead was extended to six out of the break as Lourdes scored the first five points of the third quarter before Northwestern Ohio responded with a 17-5 run to take a six-point advantage of its own.
Lourdes would score the final six points of the quarter though on back-to-back Jemaa three-pointers and the game would be tied heading to the fourth.
The Racers built a six-point lead again, 72-66, and led the entire final stanza until Pedroza put Lourdes in front for good in the final minute.
Wagner led Lorudes with 18 points off the bench and Pedroza finished with 12 in a game in which Lourdes shot 43.2% from the floor.
Ana Montero Sanz led Northwestern Ohio (12-13, 7-11 WHAC) with 27 points while Jada Haines added 23 points and Alysia Lawson chipped in 20 more. The Racers shot 50.9% from the field but committed 21 turnovers leading to 25 Lourdes points.
Lourdes (9-17, 6-12) will take to the road on Wednesday evening as the Gray Wolves travel to Southfield, Mich. to face Lawrence Tech. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. inside Ridler Fieldhouse.
