Graceland Women Outlast Clarke in Double Overtime
LAMONI, Iowa (Jan. 15, 2025) – The Graceland University Yellowjackets triumphed in an intense double-overtime game, defeating Clarke University 80-77 in a Heart of America Athletic Conference thriller. The victory improves Graceland's record to 5-13 overall and 3-11 in the conference, while Clarke drops to 8-8 overall and 6-7 in the Heart.
Head coach Willie Scott praised his team's collective resilience and determination. "We have two and a half of our players back this semester. Nateonia and Kymani make a difference. Credit to the entire team for playing together and believing we can win. This is a huge confidence booster. We beat a very good team—they're hard to beat! We will take it any way we can as we fight for the last playoff spot."
Graceland established a strong defensive presence in the first quarter, holding Clarke to just 11 points and leading 18-11. However, the Yellowjackets faced offensive challenges in the second quarter, scoring just eight points while Clarke tied the game 26-26 at halftime.
Sophomore guard Sophia Rodriguez spearheaded Graceland's offense in the second half, scoring 13 points, including five critical points in the overtime periods. Rodriguez also grabbed five rebounds and added three assists. Reflecting on the game, she said, "Tonight we played extremely hard. We battled back after struggling offensively in the second quarter. When we came out in the third quarter, we moved the ball really well, which led to our outside shots falling. In overtime, we came together and got a big win over a good team."
Genesis Alarcon delivered a strong performance with a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds. Her layup in the second overtime secured the lead that Graceland never relinquished.
Kymani Freeman contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, including three three-pointers. Her perimeter shooting helped Graceland maintain its momentum in critical moments.
Nateonia Russell dominated the boards with 16 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds, and chipped in six points and four assists. Her efforts were instrumental in securing second-chance opportunities.
Statistical Highlights
- Field Goal Percentage: Graceland 32.2%, Clarke 33.3%
- Three-Point Percentage: Graceland 20.5%, Clarke 15.0%
- Free Throw Percentage: Graceland 63.6%, Clarke 81.8%
- Rebounds: Graceland 55, Clarke 50
- Turnovers: Clarke 19, Graceland 14
Graceland capitalized on Clarke's turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The Yellowjackets also controlled second-chance opportunities, scoring 16 points off 17 offensive rebounds.
Upcoming Schedule
Graceland has a much-needed week of rest before returning to action. The Yellowjackets will face Culver-Stockton College next Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 5:30 p.m. in the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.
For more information on Graceland women's basketball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.