NORTH CANTON, OHIO – The Wayne State University women's basketball squad (0-1 overall) began its 2019-20 season with a 96-66 setback at Walsh University (1-0 overall) Friday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Warriors got off to a rough start shooting just 27 percent (3-of-11) from the floor in the opening stanza, including 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.  Meanwhile, the Cavaliers made 77 percent (10-of-13) of their field goal tries, including 80 percent (4-of-5) from long distance to open a 26-8 advantage after 10 minutes.

After a lay-up by sophomore Kate Sherwood (Canton, Mich. / Belleville) knotted the score at 2-2, Walsh went on a 10-0 run as WSU went 0-for-5 from the floor and had three turnovers.

Buckets by sophomore Sam Cherney (Farmington Hills, Mich. / North Farmington) and senior Sadia Johnson (Kalamazoo, Mich. / Central) cut the deficit to eight (14-6).  Walsh then proceeded to outscore Wayne State 12-2 over the final four minutes of the first period.

The Cavaliers offense continued in the second quarter scoring another 26 points for a 52-24 lead at intermission.

The third period was nearly even with Walsh edging the Warriors 20-17 in that stanza.

Wayne State won a high-scoring fourth quarter, 25-24.

TEAM STATS

Wayne State finished at 42 percent (24-of-58) from the field, after shooting 50 percent (16-of-32) after halftime.  The Cavaliers shot 54 percent (36-of-67) from the floor, including 63 percent (15-of-24) from three-point range.  The Warriors were 4-of-19 (21 percent) from beyond the arc, while shooting 64 percent (14-of-22) from the charity stripe.  WU was a solid 82 percent (9-of-11) from the foul line.

WSU had a slight edge, 35-34, in rebounding, with the Cavaliers winning the turnover battle with 14 miscues to 20 for Wayne State.

LEADING THE WARRIORS

Sophomore Grace George (DeWitt, Mich.) had a team-high 18 points and was the lone WSU player in double figures.  George also grabbed a game-best eight rebounds.

LEADING THE CAVALIERS

Mayci Sales led five Walsh players in double figures with a game-high 20 points, while Quinonche Carter and Tyler Newkirk each contributed 19 points.  Sales grabbed a team-best seven rebounds.

UP NEXT

Wayne State continues play in the GLIAC/G-MAC Challenge with a Saturday afternoon contest (4 p.m.) at Lake Erie College.