DC wins season opener at Wilberforce

WILBERFORCE, Ohio – The Defiance Yellow Jackets earned an opening-night win, 84-79, over the Wilberforce Bulldogs on Friday at Gaston Lewis Arena.

The Yellow Jackets (1-0) picked up the program's first win in an opener since the 2021-22 season in the first meeting with the Bulldogs (0-1) since 2007.

A close game throughout, the score was tied 37-37 just before the half but DC had an eight-point advantage with a little more than minute to go before halftime. Wilberforce took a 41-40 lead into the locker room with the help of 21 made free throws thanks to 18 DC fouls.

The Jackets regained control to lead by 10 points halfway through the third quarter. From there, DC maintained the lead through the fourth quarter despite a pair of ties. In the closing minutes, Ali Mowen and Jourdyn Wynn sank five free throws to secure the victory.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Defiance had four players in double-figures, led by freshman Shaunie Little's 17 points on 11-for-13 at the free throw line. 
• The starting lineup contained four returners with Little being the only newcomer.
• Ali Mowen hit a trio of 3-pointers in the first half and scored 13 points to start her senior season.
• Freshman Kayla Houston added 15 points off the bench with five rebounds. Morgan Crowe also chipped in nine points for the Yellow Jackets.
• Defiance shot 50 percent from the floor and outrebounded Wilberforce 33-20.

UP NEXT
DC returns to action on Nov. 3 with the team's conference opener at Siena Heights. Tipoff against the Saints at Siena Heights Fieldhouse is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

-JACKETS-