The University Trailblazers were the 59-57 winner over the Western Panthers when they last played one another back in January of 2023, but their luck changed this time around. University took a 60-43 bruising from Western on Tuesday. While losing is never fun, University can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Indiana basketball rankings (they are ranked 173rd, while Western is ranked 32nd).
University's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Leah Norvell, who scored 20 points along with five rebounds. Those 20 points set a new season-high mark for her. The team also got some help courtesy of Anyah Jordan-Turley, who scored nine points along with three steals.
University's loss dropped their record down to 7-7. As for Western, their win was their sixth straight at home, which pushed their record up to 14-1.
Both squads will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. University will be staying on the road on Saturday to face off against Covenant Christian at 5:30 p.m. on January 6th. As for Western, they will take on Benton Central at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
