Graceland Battles League-Leading Benedictine in Home Defeat
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University Yellowjackets women's basketball team closed out a home contest Saturday afternoon with a 72-61 loss to Benedictine (Kan.) inside the Morden Center. The game featured sustained half-court execution, extended defensive possessions and multiple momentum shifts across four quarters. Graceland moved to 4-20 overall and 3-13 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, while Benedictine improved to 19-5 overall and 15-1 in league action.
Graceland opened the game with efficient ball movement and early scoring in transition, leading 17-15 after the first quarter. The Yellowjackets converted on early drive-and-kick actions and controlled tempo through defensive rebounding. Benedictine responded in the second quarter by increasing ball pressure and generating extra possessions, edging the period 15-11 to take a 30-28 halftime lead.
The third quarter proved decisive. Benedictine capitalized on second-chance opportunities and interior scoring, outscoring Graceland 21-15 in the frame. The visitors established a paint presence while maintaining defensive discipline in the half court, limiting clean perimeter looks. Graceland continued to compete through disciplined shot selection and ball reversals but entered the fourth quarter trailing 51-43.
In the final period, Benedictine maintained control with timely shot-making and consistent rebounding. Graceland narrowed the margin with multiple stops and perimeter conversions but was unable to close the gap late. Benedictine won the fourth quarter 21-18 to secure the road victory.
Maxine Ampofo led Graceland with 23 points, finishing 8-of-13 from the field and 7-of-7 at the free-throw line. Ampofo also added eight rebounds, three assists and three steals, anchoring the Yellowjackets on both ends of the floor. Ianara Morbidoni scored 14 points, knocking down four 3-pointers while contributing five blocks and eight rebounds. Brooklyn Davis provided 13 points off the bench, giving Graceland a scoring lift during extended rotations.
As a team, Graceland shot 44.2% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range, while converting 83.3% at the free-throw line. The Yellowjackets recorded 13 assists but were limited by a 41-25 rebounding deficit, including 17 second-chance points allowed. Benedictine finished with 32 points in the paint and 24 points off turnovers, metrics that ultimately defined the contest.
"We competed for long stretches against one of the top teams in our conference," head women's basketball coach Willie Scott said. "Our execution was solid early, and we had good pace offensively. The difference came down to rebounding and extra possessions. That's an area we'll address immediately as we continue conference play."
The matchup marked another step in Graceland's development as the program continues to integrate rotation depth and emphasize defensive consistency. The Yellowjackets showed extended stretches of efficient offensive flow and on-ball defense, particularly in the opening quarter and late in the fourth.
Graceland will return to action Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m. CST, traveling to face Mount Mercy in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. The game will be played at Hennessey Rec Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as the Yellowjackets look to continue building momentum on the road.
For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all of Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.