WAYNE, Neb. – In a game characterized by tough defense and cold shooting, the University of Jamestown women's basketball team took a one-point lead into the fourth quarter but ultimately fell 55-48 to Wayne State College on Saturday evening at Rice Auditorium.

The loss drops the Jimmies to 4-10 overall and 2-8 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, while the Wildcats move to 8-8 overall and 3-7 in league play.

After a back-and-forth contest featuring eight lead changes and four ties, Jamestown held a 39-38 advantage heading into the final ten minutes. However, the Wildcats found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Jimmies 17-9 to secure the victory.

Wayne State opened the final period with a 10-2 run, capped by a three-point play from Kylah vanDonkersgoed, to take a 48-41 lead with 7:19 remaining. The Jimmies fought back, pulling within three points at 51-48 on a Jessika Lofstrom jumper with 1:22 to go, but the Wildcats sealed the game at the free-throw line in the final minute.

Allie Berns carried the offensive load for the Jimmies, pouring in a game-high 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting while also grabbing eight rebounds.

Jessika Lofstrom contributed nine points and six rebounds, while Hali Savela added eight rebounds and six points. Haidyn Crockett also chipped in with six points and five boards.

Offense was hard to come by for both sides. Jamestown shot 25.8 percent (16-of-62) from the field, while Wayne State finished at 26.1 percent (18-of-69).

The Jimmies found more success from deep, hitting 6-of-29 three-pointers compared to just 1-of-16 for the Wildcats.

Rebounding was a major factor, with Wayne State holding a narrow 51-48 edge on the glass, including 17 offensive rebounds.

Kylah vanDonkersgoed powered Wayne State with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds. Rachel Dahlen was the only other Wildcat in double figures with 13 points, while Kelsey Willems added eight points and four steals.

Wayne State led 9-6 after a low-scoring first quarter, but Jamestown responded in the second to cut the halftime deficit to 24-22. The Jimmies played their best basketball in the third quarter, outscoring the hosts 17-14 to take a brief lead before the Wildcats' fourth-quarter rally.

The Jimmies will look to snap their skid as they continue NSIC play on Friday, January 16 when they host Concordia-St. Paul.