Playing in the state of Ohio for the third time in the past five days proved to be just a little too much for the Hillsdale College women's basketball team to overcome.
The Chargers led their game at Tiffin University for nearly 38 minutes Thursday night. But the team lost junior Megan Fogt when she fouled out, and the Dragons took advantage, pulling out a 76-73 decision. Hillsdale is now 9-11 overall and 8-8 in the GLIAC, but the team maintains a two-game lead for the third playoff spot in the GLIAC South Division, thanks to Findlay's loss to Ohio Dominican.
Hillsdale returns home Saturday afternoon, hosting ODU starting at 1 p.m.
For most of the game, the Chargers played an impressive road game, spreading the ball around on offense and keeping the Dragons on their heels. Fogt played her usual brilliant game, finishing with 21 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks, but was hampered by foul trouble in the second half that limited her to 28 minutes. Four of her five fouls were whistled in the second half.
Tiffin outscored Hillsdale 28-13 from the free throw line, and finished with 18 more attempts from the charity stripe (38-20).
Another key to the game was Tiffin's production off the bench. The Dragons got 35 points from their non-starters, which helped them keep going at Hillsdale throughout the game. Tiffin also committed just eight turnovers, which helped prevent the Chargers from getting quick, easy baskets in the game.
Sophomore Madison Berry turned in another strong performance for Hillsdale with 17 points and 4 assists. For the second consecutive game, junior Chelsea Farrell gave the Chargers excellent production off the bench, with 9 points and 7 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench.
Photo courtesy of Jim Drews