Glendale, AZ-It was a back and forth affair all game long in Glendale, Arizona with Menlo Women's Basketball battling all game long against the ACU Firestorm. At one point the Oaks would trail by as much as 13 with roughly five minutes to play. The team showed their grit refusing to back down with a 13-0 run to close regulation and force overtime. Unfortunately, as the extra frame of action winded down the Oaks would fall by a final margin of six points.

Menlo Digs Deep to Force OT

It was an uncharacteristically off night for the Oaks on offense. The team was only able to shoot 36% from the floor and 20% from deep across all five periods of play. Yet, Menlo's defense would step up and keep the Oaks within striking distance all game long. Menlo would hold the Firestorm to shooting splits of 37% from the field and 23% from three. On top of limiting high quality looks, they would also come away with 11 steals and three blocks. Jordyn Rosette once again was a force defensively with a game high four steals and a block. Rosette was two steals away from setting the single season record last year. Once again she will find herself right in the mix for one of the great defensive seasons in Oaks history.  

The pair of Tia Morgan and Shay Boley would also be huge factors in the Oaks ability to stay in the game. Boley once again filled up the statsheet to the tune of seven points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Boley's been able to constantly provide a spark in a variety of way all season long and did so once again in 37 minutes of action. Tia Morgan was arguably the most efficient Menlo player on the day. In just ten minutes of playing time the Australian native scored 13 points and grabbed four boards. She also hit three shots from behind the arc and finished the day 5-7 from the field. One of the most dangerous elements of this Oaks squad has been their depth and Morgan reminded people that regardless of their status as a starter or member of the second unit, this Menlo team is loaded with talent. 

Up Next…

Despite this loss Menlo still maintains a lead at the top of the GSAC standings. The Oaks had won 11 straight and will now return home for their next two matchups. First on deck will be a rematch with the Vanguard Lions. The Lions and the Oaks last met in Southern California where Menlo pulled out the convincing 75-54 victory on the road. Both teams are currently represented in the NAIA Top 25 as this should be a highly anticipated rematch. Their next opponent, the Royals of Hope International. Menlo also defeated the Royals earlier this year 90-69 behind huge games from Jordyn Rosette and Kiara Brown. The duo combined for 42 points, six made threes, 13 rebounds, four steals and only a single turnover.
 

Menlo College is currently a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). To learn more about Menlo Athletics visit www.menloathletics.com or follow Menlo Athletics on Instagram (@menloathletics), X (@MenloAthletics) or Facebook (Menlo College Athletic)