GU Women Earn 2nd Straight Conference Victory Behind Fourth-Quarter Surge
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The Graceland University women's basketball team continued its midseason turnaround on Wednesday afternoon, notching its second consecutive road victory in Heart of America Athletic Conference (Heart) play with an 81-73 win over Baker University at the Collins Center. The Yellowjackets, who had previously dropped 13 straight games before this two-game winning streak, improved to 3-16 overall and 2-9 in the Heart, while Baker fell to 2-14 overall and 1-9 in conference play.
After entering the fourth quarter trailing by two, Graceland outscored the Wildcats 35-30 in the final 10 minutes, shooting 80% from the field (12-of-15) and knocking down 10-of-13 free throws to close out the game with poise and efficiency.
The victory comes on the heels of Saturday's road win at Culver-Stockton, marking Graceland's first back-to-back wins of the 2025–26 season and underscoring a newfound momentum for this developing Yellowjackets squad.
Sariah Bradley led all scorers with 24 points, converting 9-of-13 from the field and going a steady 5-of-6 from the line. The junior guard added four rebounds, two assists, and a game-high two steals in 29 minutes of action.
Sophomore forward Ianara Morbidoni added 20 points and six rebounds, including a perfect 4-for-4 from the stripe and a critical three-pointer with 2:12 remaining to stretch Graceland's lead to seven.
Freshman Oliviya Tinoco continued her strong run, posting a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while shooting an efficient 7-of-11 from the floor and 6-of-6 at the line. The guard also contributed on the boards with four offensive rebounds and logged a team-high 33 minutes.
The Yellowjackets dominated the rebounding battle, outrebounding Baker 44-32, and controlled second-chance opportunities with a 16-11 edge in second-chance points. Graceland's transition game also proved decisive, turning Baker's 10 turnovers into 12 fast-break points compared to just two for the hosts.
Despite surrendering 63 bench points to Baker, Graceland's starters shouldered the offensive load, accounting for all 81 points, including a 35-point fourth quarter that proved the difference.
"This group is starting to understand how to finish games," said Graceland head coach Willie Scott. "The composure we showed in the final minutes, especially on the road, was a result of the hard lessons we've learned early in the season. We've stayed committed to our process, and it's beginning to show on the court."
Graceland finished the contest shooting 46.8% from the floor (29-of-62), 29.4% from three (5-of-17), and a strong 85.7% at the free throw line (18-of-21). The team's offensive rhythm peaked late, with Graceland making five of its final six field goals and converting key free throws in the closing seconds to hold off a late Baker push.
For Baker, Gabby Rose led with 23 points, and Skye Pepp contributed 19 points off the bench. The Wildcats shot 38.2% overall and 25.0% from beyond the arc. Graceland's defense held Baker to just 4-of-16 shooting from long range and forced timely stops late.
Graceland trailed 29-28 at halftime after a second-quarter scoring drought but recovered behind a more aggressive third period and a decisive final frame. After regaining the lead midway through the third, the Yellowjackets never trailed again, leading by as many as nine down the stretch.
The Yellowjackets will look to extend their winning streak when they return to Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa, on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to face Mount Mercy University in another Heart matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CST.
For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.