Wells Leads IU East into RSC Quarterfinals

NEW ALBANY, Ind. - The Indiana University East women's basketball team survived its opener of the River States Conference Championships on Monday, Feb. 26.

The No. 10 Red Wolves ousted No. 7 IU Southeast 71-66 to advance to the RSC Quarterfinals.

IU East is now 11-18 heading into the next round at No. 2 Oakland City (21-6) on Wednesday, Feb 28. The contest gets underway at 6:30 p.m. IU Southeast finishes the season at 13-15.

Peyton Wells topped the Red Wolves with a season-high 18 points. It was the third time this season she has scored in double digits with the other two also coming against the Grenadiers. She had 11 points in a win in New Albany on Jan. 30, while tossing in 12 in a loss at home on Feb. 20. 

Taylor Farris and Davina Smith added 12 points apiece as the duo each grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

The contest was tight throughout the game as it was tied 12-12 at the first stop before the Grenadiers led 27-25 at the intermission.

In the third frame, IU Southeast was able to hold a 44-41 advantage as the teams prepared for the final 10 minutes.

Caitlyn McEldowney's 3-pointer put the Red Wolves in front at the 7:50 mark of the fourth quarter.

The Grenadiers responded and eventually led 61-59 with 2:17 left.

Wells drilled a 3-pointer that turned out to give IU East the lead for good with 1:51 remaining as the Red Wolves were able to hang on for the victory.