GU Falls to Peru State in Home Finale, Looks to Close Season Strong

LAMONI, Iowa – Feb. 19, 2025 – The Graceland University Yellowjackets (8-19, 6-17 Heart of America Athletic Conference) could not overcome a slow start in their final home game of the season, falling 64-56 to Peru State (8-19, 6-19 HAAC) on Tuesday evening inside Morden Center. Despite stretches of solid play, the Yellowjackets' inconsistency down the stretch proved costly.

Game Recap:
Peru State jumped out to an early lead, shooting 53.3% in the first quarter and taking a 20-16 advantage after the opening period. The Bobcats maintained their offensive efficiency through the second quarter, extending their lead to 39-29 at halftime. Graceland struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, connecting on just two of their 10 three-point attempts.

The Yellowjackets made adjustments in the third quarter, closing the gap behind a strong performance from Maxine Ampofo, who finished with a team-high 21 points on 6-of-16 shooting and added nine made free throws. Graceland outscored Peru State 17-12 in the third, cutting the deficit to 51-46 entering the final quarter.

However, offensive struggles resurfaced for Graceland in the final period. The team managed just 10 points in the fourth, shooting 17.6% from the field. Despite key defensive stops, Peru State's ability to capitalize on Graceland turnovers allowed them to secure the victory.

Team & Individual Stats:

• Graceland University (8-19, 6-17 HAAC):

  • Maxine Ampofo: 21 points, 6 rebounds
  • Nateonia Russell: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
  • Kymani Freeman: 6 points, 6 rebounds
  • Genesis Alarcon: 5 points, 7 rebounds
  • Sophia Rodriguez: 3 points, 1 rebound

• Peru State (8-19, 6-19 HAAC):

  • Erison Vonderschmidt: 17 points, 5-of-5 free throws
  • Kylie Diaz: 16 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks
  • Hailey Ingram: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists
  • Natasha Deal: 8 points, 4 rebounds

After the game, head coach Willie Scott addressed the team's performance and the challenges of closing out games.

"We didn't come out with a sense of urgency," Scott said. "We were still playing for a possible playoff spot, but we were too inconsistent to finish strong. We'll play our last game on Saturday and then regroup moving forward."

Up Next:
Graceland will have a chance to play spoiler on Saturday in its final game of the season. The Yellowjackets will travel to Olathe, Kansas, to face the MidAmerica Nazarene Pioneers, who are looking to complete an undefeated conference season. Saturday's game is set to tip off at 2 p.m. inside Bell Family Arena on MidAmerica's campus.

For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.