COLUMBUS, Ind. – Hadassah Hurt delivered a career-best performance, but it wasn't enough as the IU Columbus women's basketball team dropped its fourth consecutive game, falling 87-62 to undefeated Taylor University on Saturday afternoon at the Circle K Fieldhouse at NexusPark.
The loss moves the Crimson Pride to 1-4 on the season, while Taylor improved to a perfect 4-0.
Despite the outcome, Hurt provided a silver lining for IU Columbus with a breakout performance. The guard poured in a career-high 26 points on 9-of-27 shooting, including 6-of-17 from three-point range. Hurt played all 40 minutes and also contributed five rebounds, four assists, and a steal in the losing effort.
IU Columbus kept things competitive in the first half, trailing just 42-37 at the break. Amaya Collins supported Hurt's scoring with 17 points on 6-of-15 shooting, adding three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Abby Fleetwood chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds in a solid all-around effort.
However, the Crimson Pride managed just 25 points in the second half as Taylor's defense clamped down and the visitors pulled away with a dominant 45-25 performance over the final two quarters.
IU Columbus struggled with efficiency, shooting just 36.7% from the field and converting only 10 of 21 free throws (47.6%). The Crimson Pride were out-rebounded 40-24, including a 10-5 disadvantage on the offensive glass that led to numerous second-chance opportunities for Taylor.
The bench provided minimal support, with only Emma Beaver making a significant contribution off the pine with six points and four rebounds in 31 minutes.
The Trojans were led by Kaycie Warfel's game-high 37 points on an impressive 12-of-18 shooting performance. Warfel was nearly automatic at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 12 attempts, and while also grabbing 3 rebounds.
Celina Blount added 15 points and 10 rebounds for Taylor, while Madi Allen contributed 11 points. The Trojans shot 45.3% from the field and were exceptional at the charity stripe, making 26 of 31 free throws (83.9%).
Taylor's defense forced eight turnovers while committing 13 of their own, and the Trojans dished out 10 assists while limiting IU Columbus to just eight.
The Crimson Pride will need to regroup quickly as they look to snap their four-game losing streak. While Hurt's emergence as a scoring threat provides optimism, IU Columbus must find more consistent production from the supporting cast and improve their shooting efficiency.
Next Up: IU Columbus returns to action Wednesday (Nov. 12) when they travel to Bethel University (Ind.) looking to get back in the win column and build on the positives from Hurt's breakout performance. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM.
