Warfel Scores 31 as RV Taylor Rallies Past No. 22 Indiana Tech

UPLAND, Ind. – Kaycie Warfel scored 31 points to lead RV Taylor (14-0) past No. 22 Indiana Tech (9-4) 66-62 in a tightly-contested matchup on Tuesday evening inside Odle Arena.

With the victory, TU maintained its perfect start and logged its second ranked win of the season to close out the non-conference portion of the schedule. The Trojans have now tied the third-longest winning streak in program history at 14 games, while the 14-0 record continues as the second-best start in team history.

Warfel eclipsed the 30-point mark for the fifth time, finishing with an 11-of-20 (55.0%) shooting mark overall while hitting 8 of 9 attempts at the free-throw line. The freshman guard overcame early foul trouble and poured in nine points during TU's late push in the fourth quarter.

Madi Allen reached double figures for the 10th time with 11 points. Quinn Kelly notched six points with seven rebounds, while Celina Blount hauled 11 boards with five points and four blocks. Emma Fohl dished a team-high four assists. Emma Ancelet and Marissa Trout provided key minutes off the bench. Ancelet tallied five points and three assists, while Trout posted six points.

For the second time in three games, Taylor rallied to overcome an early double-digit deficit after trailing by as much as 11 in the second quarter.

The Trojans started the game with a quick 10-0 run, with six points from Warfel, before Indiana Tech responded to take control of the contest. The Warriors outscored the Trojans 19-2 over the final six minutes of the opening period while shooting 57.1 percent (8-14) to grab the 19-12 lead.

Taylor was able to slice the deficit to six just before halftime, 34-28, after a late three from Trout helped spark the home side going into the break. But the Warriors remained out in front and led by as much as 10 with the score 43-33 midway through the third quarter.

The Trojans, who outscored the Warriors in each of the final three periods, wouldn't go away. TU trailed by four entering the fourth quarter while down 49-45, after Kelly knocked down a big trey to keep within striking distance.

In the fourth quarter, the Trojans opened the frame with a crucial 7-0 run that lasted over a three-minute span, as a 3-pointer from Blount gave Taylor its first lead since the two-minute mark of the opening stanza. TU moved in front 52-49 on a Warfel jumper shortly after, as the teams exchanged leads several times down the stretch.

After trailing 60-59, the Trojans stepped up on defense and held the Warriors without a made shot attempt over the final four minutes and 30 seconds of regulation. The only two points for Indiana Tech during the span came on free throws.

Then, Trout's free throw at the 3:40 mark gave Taylor the 61-60 lead, while Warfel closed out the victory with the final five points of the night.

TU shot 45.3 percent overall from the floor, while going 6 of 16 (37.5%) from beyond the arc. Indiana Tech shot 35.4 percent overall and 6 for 25 (24.0%) from three-point range.

Taylor Covington led the Warriors with 25 points, four assists and four boards. Jaidyn Gulley posted a double-double effort with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

TU has now held its opponent under 70 points in eight consecutive outings, and nine of the previous 10 contests.

The Trojans snapped a four-game slide against Indiana Tech with its first win in the series since November 2012.

RV Taylor returns to Crossroads League action Saturday when No. 5 Marian (13-0, 4-0 CL) visits Odle Arena for a 1 p.m. tipoff.