Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
7-7,0-3Big Ten
Oregon
10-4,1-2Big Ten
Daley Scores 17, 'Cats Fall to Ducks on New Year's Eve
12/31/2024 4:41:00 PM | Women's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern dropped an 85-65 contest to the Oregon Ducks on Tuesday, December 31 at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Melannie Daley led the way for the Wildcats with 17 points, her fifth-straight game scoring in double figures. Caileigh Walsh also chipped in with 15 of her own, while Kyla Jones scored 14 points on an efficient 7-of-11 clip, her most points since scoring 14 vs. Michigan in the 'Cats' Big Ten opener on Dec. 8.
Four Wildcats recorded three or more assists as the 'Cats assisted on 69 percent of made baskets (18 of 26).
Oregon was powered by a 55 percent shooting performance (33-of-59), led by four Ducks scoring in double figures and 46 bench points as well as 46 points in the point.
How It Happened
Northwestern opened the game strong, jumping out to an early 5-0 lead before Oregon responded with a run to take control. The Wildcats found momentum late in the first quarter, thanks to Mercy Ademusayo, who scored four first quarter points in her first appearance of the season.Oregon built its lead in the second quarter with efficient shooting, hitting 65% of its attempts while Northwestern shot 50%. Kyla Jones kept the Wildcats within striking distance, scoring six quick points to start the frame. Despite Northwestern's efforts, Oregon closed the first half up 43-34 and extended their advantage after halftime.
The Ducks opened the third quarter on a blistering 7-of-7 shooting stretch, stretching their lead to as many as 20 points. Northwestern clawed back late, holding Oregon to just one field goal over the final minutes of the frame. Despite strong individual performances from Daley and Walsh, the Wildcats couldn't cut into the deficit further in the fourth quarter, as Oregon's depth proved too much in an 85-65 loss.
Inside the Box Score
- Melannie Daley led Northwestern with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting, marking her fifth consecutive game in double figures and her third-highest scoring output of the season.
- Daley shot 7-of-12 from the field, her fifth game of the season scoring in double figures while shooting above 50 percent.
- Kyla Jones shot 7-of-11 from the field for 14 points, including a perfect 5-of-5 start in the first half. This was her sixth game of the season scoring in double figures while shooting above 50%.
- Caileigh Walsh recorded 15 points, reaching double figures for the ninth time this season and 53rd time in her career. She also added three assists.
- Northwestern assisted on 69% of its made baskets, with four different Wildcats recording three or more assists.
- Mercy Ademusayo made her season debut, contributing four points off the bench in the first quarter to provide a spark for the Wildcats. Ademusayo finished with six points on 3-of-4 shooting with three rebounds.
- The Wildcats' totaled 15 second chance points compared to the just eight from the Ducks, while pulling down 32 total rebounds.
