The Northwestern women's basketball team faced a tough challenge on Sunday, falling to Lehigh 85-68 in a disappointing loss. The Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game, as the Mountain Hawks' sharp shooting and dominant performance on the boards proved too much to overcome.

Wildcats Seek Redemption After Slow Start to Season

Lehigh Dominates from Beyond the Arc

The key to Lehigh's victory was their exceptional shooting from the three-point line. The Mountain Hawks connected on an astonishing 55% of their attempts from deep, draining shot after shot to keep the Wildcats at bay. Northwestern, on the other hand, struggled to find their touch, converting just 3 of their 13 three-point attempts.Head coach Joe McKeown acknowledged the Mountain Hawks' impressive performance, stating, "I give Lehigh a lot of credit. They shot like the Golden State Warriors." The Wildcats simply had no answer for Lehigh's perimeter onslaught, as the visitors consistently found open looks and capitalized on them.

Fandre Leads the Way for Lehigh

Lehigh's standout performer was forward Lily Fandre, who poured in a game-high 26 points. Fandre's scoring prowess was a significant factor in the Mountain Hawks' victory, as she consistently found ways to get to the basket and knock down shots from the perimeter.The Wildcats had no answer for Fandre's offensive onslaught, as she proved to be a dominant force throughout the game. Her performance not only helped Lehigh secure the win, but it also marked the first time the Mountain Hawks have defeated a Big Ten opponent in program history.

Wildcats Struggle to Find Offensive Rhythm

Despite the efforts of graduate student forward Taylor Williams, who led the Wildcats with 22 points and 11 rebounds, the rest of the Northwestern squad struggled to find their offensive footing. Graduate student guard Kyla Jones, a key transfer addition, managed to score 11 points, but the Wildcats as a whole were unable to match Lehigh's scoring output.The Wildcats' struggles were particularly evident in the first half, where they fell behind by a significant margin. Lehigh's 12-0 run in the second quarter allowed them to build a comfortable 47-31 lead at the break, and the Wildcats were unable to mount a meaningful comeback in the second half.

Defensive Lapses Prove Costly for Wildcats

In addition to their offensive woes, the Wildcats also struggled on the defensive end. Coach McKeown acknowledged that his team's defensive discipline was lacking, stating, "Defensively, we're not disciplined right now."The Wildcats' inability to contain Lehigh's shooters and limit their open looks from the perimeter proved to be a significant factor in the game's outcome. McKeown noted that the team's focus on avoiding fouls may have contributed to their defensive lapses, as they "left people wide open so that we wouldn't foul."As the Wildcats look to rebound from this setback, they will need to address their defensive shortcomings and find a way to consistently knock down shots from the outside. With a tough Big Ten schedule looming, the team will need to quickly find their footing if they hope to turn their season around.