The Brock Badgers women’s basketball team faced a tough 76-59 loss against the No. 6 nationally ranked Carleton Ravens at Bob Davis Gymnasium.
The loss on Nov. 17 was a challenging one for the Brock Badgers, marking their first defeat of the OUA season. Despite their strong start to the season, the game against the nationally ranked team highlighted the competitive intensity of the league and the hurdles the team must overcome as they progress through the season.
The game statistics showed the Badgers’ challenges, pinpointing specific areas for improvement. The Ravens dominated in field goal percentage, shooting an impressive 46.9 per cent compared to the Badgers’ 32.3 per cent. From the three-point line, Carleton also outperformed Brock, achieving 38.1 per cent versus the Badgers 25 per cent. The Ravens controlled the boards with 43 rebounds, outpacing the Badgers’ 33, and excelled defensively with 10 steals to Brock’s six. However, the Badgers outdid their free-throw performance, outshooting the Ravens with a 47.6 per cent success rate compared to Carleton’s 33.3 per cent. While being outperformed in other areas, the Badgers demonstrated fight and identified critical areas to focus on as they prepare for upcoming matchups.
Star player Madalyn Weinhart delivered another exceptional performance, leading the team with 16 points and 16 rebounds to secure a double-double. She also contributed a team-high five assists, demonstrating her importance to the team’s overall performance.
The Ravens gained an early advantage in the game, catching the Badgers off-guard with their strong start. By the end of the first quarter, Carleton had secured 21 points, compared to Brock’s 16. However, the five-point gap was not insurmountable, as such a margin in basketball can quickly be overturned with the right adjustments.
The second quarter brought more challenges, as the Ravens extended their lead to 35-27 by halftime. Despite the deficit, the Badgers remained determined, knowing that an eight-point gap was manageable with the right strategy and execution in the second half. At this point the game was far from over, and the Badgers still had a chance to turn things around.
The second half marked a turning point for the Badgers, as the Ravens widened their lead from eight to 15. Carleton dominated the third quarter, outsourcing the Badgers 21-14, making it increasingly difficult for Brock to regain control of the game.
By this point in the game, the Badgers’ hope seemed to decrease, but they refused to back down. Trailing in every quarter, which can take a toll on a team’s mindset, the Badgers displayed resilience in the final stretch. They managed to secure 18 points in the last quarter, keeping pace with the Ravens, who added 10 to their tally. Their determination, even in the face of a tough game, was evident until the final buzzer.
The game ended with a 76-59 Ravens win.
Even after facing a nationally ranked opponent and trailing throughout, the team fought hard until the final buzzer. This performance, while not reflected on the scoreboard, allowed for the potential and grit to be recognized, as they prepare to bounce back stronger in the games ahead.