The Flames couldn't catch the Northwestern Wildcats (5-5) in the closing minutes in their match-up at Credit Union 1 Arena late Wednesday night, losing 66-62.
The Flames were led offensively by
Ky Dempsey-Toney, who scored 16 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Jaida McCloud netted 15 in nearly 25 minutes of play, also grabbing four rebounds, and going nine-for-ten from the free throw line.
Josie Filer finished the night with eight points and a team leading 13 rebounds.
They now drop to 8-2 in nonconference play as they are weeks away from Missouri Valley Conference play.
In the first half, both teams were gunning for a physical battle from tip-off. Collectively, each team shot 35 % from the floor, so the battle went to rebounds, defense, and energy. Only trailing by three after the first quarter, the Flames outscored the Wildcats, 19-14 to walk into halftime leading, 26-24.
After a close third quarter, the Wildcats managed to tie it up all at 40 going into the last ten minutes of the game. Entering the fourth quarter, they got the upper hand on the Flames when they began it on an early 11-0 run.
Not giving up, the Flames bridged the gap in the closing seconds, even bringing it down to a one possession game. Only down by three and sending Northwestern's Kaylah Rainey to the line, she sank her two free throws to secure the win for the Wildcats.
Though only having the lead for a few minutes throughout the game, the Flames led in most team stats categories. They had more second chance (25-4), fast break (8-3) and bench points (20-13) then the Wildcats in the entire 40 minutes.
Led by McCloud, the Flames went 23-for-27 at the free throw line for 85% on the night. This is a season high for the team, surpassing their best in their win against Saint Thomas at 76% back on November 27
th.
The Flames return on the road next Tuesday, December 20th to begin a three-game road trip to end 2022. They are set to take on the Southeast Missouri State RedHawks (4-5) to finish non-conference play. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 am.
