Trojans Dominate Glass in Commanding Season-Opening Win

Broadcast Highlights

UPLAND, Ind. – The Taylor women's basketball team (1-0) defeated Michigan-Dearborn (0-1) in near wire-to-wire fashion Thursday evening in Odle Arena to commence its 2023-24 season. The 82-55 victory goes down as head coach Cassie Wiseman's first in her collegiate head-coaching career.

With Taylor getting on the board first with a pair of free throws from Ava Henson, TU held its advantage throughout the opening three minutes of action. A three-pointer from UMD's Sydney Dixon a few minutes into the game gave the Wolverines a 7-6 lead, but they would never be in front again once Hope Custer put the Trojans up with 6:41 left to play in the opening quarter.

TU finished the first quarter with a ten-point lead, and it was led in points by Henson and Custer with eight apiece.

The Trojans extended their lead by another 10 points in the second period to take a 44-24 advantage into halftime. Henson and Claycee West each had six points in the quarter, and Custer joined Henson in double figures through the game's first 20 minutes.

After a relatively quiet first half, Taylor Westgate made her presence known with four made field goals, including a triple, in the third quarter as TU extended its lead to 27 points at 66-39. Westgate opened the final period with back-to-back jumpers before being subbed out with the Trojans' comfortable 73-41 lead. The all-league senior finished her night with a game-high 20 points to go along with 12 boards.

Quinn Kelly was excellent crashing the glass for Taylor, as she led all players with a career-high 16 rebounds, including five on the offensive end. Her brilliant game on the boards was complemented by her three assists, two blocks and two steals. Custer also registered a career-high 12 boards and 21 points to give the senior her first double-double as a Trojan. Jillian Osswald chipped in a game-high six assists as well as five rebounds.

Defensively, Henson led the way with three steals on the night, and Custer tied Kelly with a team-high two blocks.

Taylor finished the night with a dominant 63-44 rebound advantage. It also owned the advantages in assists, 17-8, and in free throws made, 10-7.

The Trojans look to remain perfect when it takes to the road Friday evening, Oct. 27 at Calumet (0-1). The game is slated for a 6 p.m. start.