Gordon College Athletics

On opening day of the Gordon Classic, Gordon College Women's Basketball started off the tournament with a bang as they were matched up with the Wheaton College Lyons for a non-conference bout where the teams battled back and forth before the Fighting Scots eventually took a double-digit lead that they would not relinquish to seal their first win of the young season, 71-52. 

Isabella Rivera guided Gordon to victory as the returning sophomore net 16 points including two three-pointers while grabbing four steals. Meanwhile, veterans Madison Wynbeek and Serianna Anderson sunk 15 points each in the effort while Anderson collected 11 rebounds, followed by Ami Rivera who also recorded double-digit points with 13 as well as a game-high six assists. 

For the Lyons, Kiki Walters led her pack, sinking a game-high 19 points as the promising rookie went seven-for-eight at the free throw line and shot a perfect three-pointer percentage after netting two from downtown. The next closest contributor to Wheaton's scoreboard was Regan Keyter who recorded nine points. 

How It Happened

• After exactly a minute and thirty seconds of neither squad being able to sink one, the Lyons got on the board first after capitalizing on a charity stripe opportunity (2-0). Wheaton continued to pull away, but it wasn't long before Gordon's Sydney Noyes landed a layup along with the bruise to knot up the score, 8-8 before taking the edge after successfully netting her free throw to get the Scots back in contention. With the momentum on their side, the Fighting Scots lengthened their advantage (12-8) after Anderson did what she does best on Kanas Court, sinking a three from behind the arc to gain a four-point lead that the Scots did not give up, ending the first quarter, 16-12.
• Wynbeek was quickly fouled going up for the shot to start the following quarter (9:52) earning the Scots two additional points early on. After gaining their biggest advantage of the game yet (20-12) thanks to a flawless layup in the paint from I. Rivera, the Lyons fought back to make it a one-point game (23-24) with 4:57 remaining in the first half. However, the Fighting Scots stayed consistent on the court, taking advantage of free throw opportunities to head into the second half once again with a four-point edge, 32-28.
• Coming back from the break, Anderson catalyzed a rally for the Scots as the senior sunk a layup just nine seconds after the first whistle (34-28). Gordon went on to take a 13-point lead after an I. Rivera three, shortly before A. Rivera mirrored her sister with another three to bring the score to 46-32. The Lyons attempted to close the gap in the remaining minutes, coming within seven before the Scots closed out the third, 55-44. 
• Wheaton made sure to cut their deficit to single-digits at the 7:51 mark after a successful jumper but the Scots continued to light up the court, as I. Rivera net another one from downtown moments before stealing the ball to go on a fast break and give Gordon their biggest lead of the game, 66-49. With 1:37 ticks on the clock, newcomer Noyes brought the hammer down with a layup in the paint to lock in the dominant 71-52 victory. 

Beyond The Box Score

• Isabella Rivera has led the Fighting Scots in points in both of their games so far this season.
• Serianna Anderson booked her first double-double of the season tonight. 
• The Scots continue the Gordon Classic tomorrow, Saturday, November 12 when they battle the Monks of Saint Joseph's at 3 p.m. on Kanas Court.