DePauw University women's basketball is a force to be reckoned with, now 20-0 overall and 11-0 in the North Coast Athletic Conference after defeating both Denison University and Oberlin College.
The top-ranked women's basketball team traveled to Granville, Ohio Wednesday to play the Big Red. Denison University jumped out early in the game scoring six points to DePauw's zero.
The Big Red maintained that edge for most of the first half until junior guard Savannah Trees knocked down a jumper at the 1:04 that put the Tigers in front 22-21 and with another bucket made by senior guard Ali Ross, DePauw University took a three-point lead into the locker room.
The Tigers kept their lead for the majority of the second half, but Denison University was always close behind, tying the score on more than one occasion.
DePauw University finally managed to pull away and grab the 61-51 win over Denison thanks to the 20-point and nine rebound performance by senior forward Alex Gasaway.
The game on the road against Oberlin College proved to be a more exciting with DePauw holding on to their winning streak 67-62. Junior guard Hannah Douglas was out for the game due to a concussion.
"[Douglas'] defense against Oberlin the first time they played was a huge key to their success. Although we got the win, we really need to focus on our defense this week and getting our transition defense set," Ross said.
The game was tied only once, at 2-2, and the Yeowomen never led as the Tigers took a 39-26 lead into halftime. DePauw's led was up to as much as 15 in the second half, but it was Oberlin College's junior forward Christina Marquette who would keep them in the game, scoring exactly half of their points.
Marquette nailing a three pointer with 53 seconds left cut the Tiger's lead to three. Oberlin College was then called for a foul on subsequent possession, which gave the Tiger's a fresh shot clock.
Trees then extended DePauw University's lead to five with a jumper and sealed the deal with two free throws when the Yeowomen failed to convert their next possession.
These next couple weeks are going to be tough for the Tigers.
"The teams in our conference are going to have their best games against us. We have a huge target on our backs, and we will have to prepare the same way for each game, as if we are playing a top ranked team" Ross said.
The Tiger's next game is at home Friday at 8 p.m. against Allegheny College.