Fourth-Quarter Slump Dooms Roosevelt Versus Purdue Northwest

HAMMOND, Ind. – Roosevelt's slow start to the fourth quarter cost the Lakers in a 79-62 loss to Purdue Northwest on Tuesday evening in Hammond, Ind.

The Lakers (1-4) had fought to keep the game within striking distance entering the final frame, but a five-point deficit quickly ballooned to a game-high 14. Purdue Northwest scored nine of the first 11 points of the quarter and then extended the lead to as many as 22 over the last 10 minutes of the game. The Pride ended the quarter 10 of 15 from the field while the Lakers were 5 of 19 from the floor.

Although Roosevelt never led after it was 5-2 early in the first quarter, the Lakers also didn't let the Pride run away with the game in that span. Roosevelt responded to an 11-0 run in the middle of the second quarter by closing the first half on a 10-2 run, forcing six turnovers from the Pride during that stretch. The Lakers would tie the game with three minutes left in the third quarter and kept Purdue Northwest within five after 30 minutes.

Turnovers were a key to helping Roosevelt stay in the game as it was able to score 17 points off 23 turnovers from Purdue Northwest. It also defended the 3-point arc well in the final three quarters, limiting the Pride to just 2 of 13 shooting from 3-point ranger after they made 5 of 10 in the first 10 minutes. The Lakers did shoot 50 percent or better in the first and third quarters, but the tough fourth quarter brought Roosevelt's shooting percentage below 40 percent for the game.

Amelia McNutt battled some foul trouble, but still led the Lakers with 18 points on 5 of 9 shooting. Jayla Turchin added 14 points and five rebounds while freshman Taylor Treat rounded out the trio in double figures with 10 points.  

Roosevelt will try to snap its losing skid at home Saturday afternoon when it resumes Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference play at 1 p.m. against Trinity International at the Goodman Center.