Detroit, MI - After not possessing a lead through three quarters and trailing for over 33 minutes of action, the Parkside Rangers used a big fourth quarter to secure their fourth straight win. Parkside, sparked by Jaelyn Derlein's career night, outscored the Wayne State Warriors 23-11 in the final quarter. Numerous Rangers stepped up and propelled the squad to a 70-64 victory, improving their record to 9-3 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
Inside the Box Score:
- Jaelyn Derlein netted a career-high 14 points, shooting four-of-five from beyond the arc.
- Kendal Zeiter posted her best performance of the season, scoring a season-high 13 points, along with three rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals.
- Sheridan Flauger also contributed across the board, gathering eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
How It Happened:
After scoring 33 points in the opening quarter last season in Detroit, this game started much differently. In fact, both teams combined for just 24 total points in the opening 10 minutes, with Wayne State leading 14-10. It took some time for Parkside to shake off the dust, as they were held to just two points for the first six and a half minutes of the contest. Jaelyn Derlein began her big night in the first quarter, sinking her first triple of the evening to get the offense started. The quarter ended in emphatic fashion, as Cassidy Arni threw an overhand pass downcourt, where Lillie Petersen corralled it and banked it in at the buzzer.
Parkside picked up momentum in the following quarter after the big finish. Lillie Petersen scored five straight for the Rangers, nailing a three-pointer in the first three minutes. Then Kendal Zeiter got going, scoring four straight on her own. With two and a half minutes left in the half, Sheridan Flauger drilled her three-pointer of the game, pulling the Rangers within one point. Although Wayne State continued to maintain an advantage, the game went into halftime with just a one-point difference after the Rangers struck again at the buzzer. This time, it was Sheridan Flauger who converted a turnaround shot from the mid-post, beating the buzzer for the second straight quarter. Parkside shot 50% from the field, won the quarter, but still trailed 30-29 at halftime.
Despite shooting 50% from the field once again in the third quarter, Wayne State shot 65% and outscored Parkside by five. After four minutes of basketball in the fourth quarter, Wayne State led by five and seemed in control. In the final six minutes, however, the Rangers put their foot on the gas in crunch time. Chloe Van Zeeland ignited the come-from-behind effort, notching five straight Parkside points, including a clutch three-point play. With four minutes to play, Jaelyn Derlein grabbed an offensive rebound and tied the game at 56 with a putback layup. Wayne State responded with a triple to restore their lead, but so did Derlein, answering back with a game-tying three seconds later. Fourteen seconds later, Derlein connected on another three, giving Parkside their first lead of the game with three minutes to play in regulation.
Parkside never surrendered the lead again, icing the game with clutch free throws in the final minutes. Parkside outscored Wayne State 23-11 en route to their ninth win of the season. They have improved their incredible road record to 8-1 with the victory.
Next:
The Rangers will look to extend their winning streak to five games on Saturday against Saginaw Valley State. Tip is slated for 12:00 PM in University Center. For coverage of the event, visit ParksideRangers.com/coverage.
