The GovState women’s basketball team navigated a challenging early-December stretch with four games in 11 days, showing resilience, balanced scoring, and strong individual performances despite tight finishes and tough road environments.
GovState at Olivet Nazarene (Dec. 3)
GovState came up just short in a 91–89 loss at Olivet Nazarene after a back-and-forth contest that featured multiple momentum swings.
After trailing 47–36 at halftime, the Jaguars surged in the second half, outscoring ONU 27–17 in the third quarter to pull back into the game. GovState continued to apply pressure late, scoring 26 points in the fourth quarter, but Olivet Nazarene edged ahead in the final minutes to secure the two-point win.
Cencere McDaniel led GovState with 23 points, shooting 15-of-16 from the free-throw line. Journae Cotton added 18 points on an efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance, while Davina Smith chipped in 16 points and six rebounds. Gabrielle McClain provided a strong lift off the bench with 15 points.
GovState at Viterbo (Dec. 6)
GovState dropped a 61–56 decision at Viterbo in a defensive battle that remained tight throughout all four quarters.
The Jaguars trailed by four at halftime before briefly regaining momentum in the third quarter, outscoring Viterbo 18–13. A strong fourth quarter by the host ultimately decided the contest, as GovState was limited to 14 points in the final frame.
Smith paced the Jaguars with 18 points and nine rebounds, while McDaniel added 16 points. Alexis Warren contributed seven points and seven rebounds off the bench as GovState battled on the glass against a physical Viterbo frontcourt.
IU Columbus at GovState (Dec. 9)
GovState returned home and responded with a 56–40 victory over IU Columbus, using defense and rebounding to control the game from start to finish.
The Jaguars held IU Columbus to 14 points in the first half and never trailed, building a 32–14 halftime lead. GovState continued to limit scoring opportunities in the second half, closing out the game with steady play on both ends.
McDaniel led the Jaguars with 16 points, while Smith recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Alexis Warren added 11 points off the bench, and GovState finished with a 59–40 rebounding edge.
GovState at Indiana South Bend (Dec. 13)
GovState closed the stretch with a hard-fought 74–71 loss at Indiana South Bend in a game that stayed close until the final possessions.
After trailing by six following the first quarter, the Jaguars responded with a 20-point second quarter to regain momentum. The teams traded baskets throughout the third, and GovState entered the final period within striking distance, but Indiana South Bend held on late.
McDaniel delivered a standout performance with 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including three three-pointers. Smith followed with 20 points, while Cotton added 11 points and seven rebounds. GovState shot 50 percent from the field in the contest.
GovState will be back in action on Monday, Dec. 29, hosting Midway as part of the GSU Winter Classic. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. at the ARC in University Park, Illinois, with live video and live statistics available.