Graceland Closes Season with 74-69 Senior Day Victory Over Baker
LAMONI, Iowa — The Graceland University women's basketball team secured its only home victory of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating Baker (Kan.) 74-69 at the Morden Center on Senior Day. The Yellowjackets conclude the 2025-26 campaign at 5-23 overall and 4-16 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play, while Baker finishes 4-23 overall and 2-18 in conference action .
Graceland led 19-13 after the first quarter and carried a 37-29 advantage into halftime before withstanding a third-quarter surge from Baker. The Wildcats outscored the Yellowjackets 18-10 in the third to tie the game at 47 entering the final period. Graceland responded with a decisive fourth quarter, shooting 68.8 percent (11-of-16) from the field to secure the win .
Angelique Taylor led Graceland with 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding nine rebounds and three free throws. Ianara Morbidoni contributed 14 points, including two 3-pointers, along with five rebounds, three steals and a block. Maxine Ampofo recorded a double-double with 14 points and 16 rebounds, while also dishing out seven assists and generating three steals.
Graceland shot 42.0 percent (29-of-69) from the field and converted 14-of-19 (73.7 percent) from the free-throw line . The Yellowjackets dominated the glass with a 46-30 rebounding advantage and outscored Baker 46-34 in the paint. They also capitalized on defensive pressure, converting turnovers into 22 points off 13 Baker miscues .
Oliviya Tinoco provided 10 points off the bench on 5-of-10 shooting, while Brooklyn Davis added eight points and six rebounds. Julianna Penn contributed five points and four assists in reserve minutes.
Baker was led by Gabby Rose with 20 points on 7-of-21 shooting. Taniya Tease added 13 points and eight assists, while Corrine Cole contributed 13 points, including three 3-pointers. The Wildcats shot 39.4 percent (26-of-66) overall and made 7-of-24 (29.2 percent) from beyond the arc .
After surrendering 22 points in the fourth quarter, Graceland tightened its defensive rotations and executed offensively down the stretch. Ampofo and Taylor combined for 12 fourth-quarter points, while the Yellowjackets converted 5-of-6 free throws in the final period to maintain possession advantages and control tempo .
The contest featured four ties and one lead change, with Graceland's largest lead reaching 11 points in the first half . The Yellowjackets limited Baker to three offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter and finished with 15 second-chance points.
Saturday's result marked a fitting conclusion to Senior Day, as Graceland earned its lone home win of the season in front of the Morden Center crowd.
Head coach Willie Scott credited the group's composure in the final period.
"I'm proud of how our seniors competed today," Scott said. "We emphasized rebounding margin, paint touches and defensive stops in the fourth quarter. Our execution in half-court sets and our ability to finish possessions with defensive rebounds made the difference. This group continued to compete regardless of circumstance, and today's performance reflects that commitment."
With the victory, Graceland concludes its 2025-26 season and did not qualify for postseason play. The Yellowjackets will now transition into offseason development and preparation for the 2026-27 campaign.
For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all of Graceland athletics visit GUjackets.com.