Box Score WINONA LAKE, Ind. – The IU Columbus Women's Basketball team put together one of its strongest and most balanced offensive performances of the season on Tuesday night at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, but it ultimately wasn't enough to withstand a relentless, fast-paced Grace attack. Despite multiple career-best, and new program-highs, the Crimson Pride ultimately fell 111–95 in a high-tempo contest that saw both teams pushing the pace from the opening tip.
Grace College came out firing, building early momentum behind a barrage of three-point attempts and quick transition possessions. IU Columbus stayed within striking distance behind efficient interior scoring and second-chance opportunities, but the Lancers' shot volume quickly became the story of the night. Grace attempted a staggering 112 shots—nearly double the Crimson Pride's—and used that pace to create separation as the game wore on.
Off the bench, Emma Beaver delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the season for IU Columbus. The freshman forward was dominant in the paint, putting up 23 points and pulling down 15 rebounds while shooting an efficient 9–16 from the field, all career-highs. Beaver provided consistent energy around the rim and was a major reason the Crimson Pride were able to keep the rebounding battle firmly in their favor.
Abby Fleetwood matched Beaver's production with an equally massive double-double of her own. Fleetwood finished with 21 points (career-high), 20 rebounds, setting the program's single-game rebounding record. She also recorded 5 assists, and 5 steals—affecting the game in nearly every statistical category. Her work on the offensive glass created multiple second-chance opportunities, and her defensive instincts kept IU Columbus within reach as Grace tried to pull away.
Amaya Collins added another all-around performance with 18 points, 7 assists (career-high), and 7 steals, setting a new program record for most steals in a single game. The sophomore guard continually pushed the tempo for the Crimson Pride and created offensive rhythm in the half court. Morgan Montgomery provided a spark as well, scoring 10 points and grabbing 4 rebounds in just 17 minutes, while Hadassah Hurt rounded out the balanced scoring effort with 11 points of her own.
Despite all the strong individual efforts, turnovers proved to be the critical factor. IU Columbus committed 33 turnovers, many of which led directly to fast-break points or wide-open threes for Grace. Each time the Crimson Pride chipped away at the deficit, a turnover-fueled run allowed the Lancers to regain control.
Grace's offense was anchored by a standout performance from Emma Sperry, who poured in 36 points while launching 27 attempts from beyond the arc and connecting on eight of them. Braylin Terrell added a powerful presence inside with 22 points and 16 rebounds, helping the Lancers maintain their pace and pressure throughout the night.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Grace erupted for 35 points, capitalizing on a stretch of IU Columbus turnovers and cold shooting. That surge pushed the lead into double digits, and although the Crimson Pride continued to battle, they were unable to close the gap in the fourth.
Even in defeat, IU Columbus showcased some of its best offensive execution of the season, shooting 45.8% from the floor and placing five players in double figures. The Crimson Pride also displayed clear growth in rebounding and interior play—areas that helped keep them competitive in an otherwise fast-paced, high-possession match-up.
IU Columbus now looks to build on the positives from Tuesday's performance as it prepares for its next contest, aiming to pair its improved offensive production with cleaner ball security moving forward.
Next Up: IUC is back in action at RV Governors State University on Dec. 9. Tip-off is set for 6:30 PM.
