(Peru, Neb.) – A career-high of 30 points by Courtney Ward (Bartlesville, Okla.) was not enough on Thursday night as Peru State College (PSC) fell to Baker University 76-69 in Baldwin City, Kan.
 
With the win, Baker remained undefeated in Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) play with a 3-0 record, tied with Benedictine College for the top spot.  Overall, the Wildcats are 10-5.  Peru State fell to 1-3 in the HAAC and 5-10 overall.
 
Game Action
 
The Wildcats quickly jumped to a 7-1 lead at the 18:27 mark in the first half.  After that, Peru State had a 9-0 run of their own which included six points by Ward to take a 10-7 lead with 14:32 left in the first 20 minutes.
 
PSC maintained a slight advantage until Baker hit a bucket with 8:13 remaining to go up 21-20 and the Wildcats never trailed after that point.  PSC would still be within one at 31-30 with 3:27 to go before seeing Baker go on a 14-4 run to end the half leading 45-34.
 
The Bobcats were never able to make a serious run until late in the second half as Baker extended their lead to 15 on several occasions in the game.  PSC did get back within five at 69-64 with 1:04 left, but the Wildcats countered with a trey before eventually taking the game at 76-69.
 
Team Statistics
 
Baker shot lights out in the first half making 18 of 28 shots for 64.3% before cooling off in the second half.  The Wildcats finished the game making 27 of 65 attempts for 41.5% that included going six of 19 for 31.6% from behind the arc.  At the free throw line, Baker finished 16 of 25 for 64%.
 
PSC shot a respectable 39.4% as they made 26 of 66 shots from the field.   The Bobcats did not connect on any of their four three-point shots.  At the charity stripe, PSC was 17 of 29 for 58.6%.
 
Individual Statistics
 
Ward finished the game with a double-double scoring 30 points and snaring 11 rebounds.   In addition, Ward blocked one shot and added one steal.
 
Two other Bobcats finished in double figures.   Jasmine Tate (Fayetteville, N.C.) finished with 15 points while Jasmine Lockwood (Sunrise, Fla.) added 13.  Tate added eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals.  Lockwood also contributed three rebounds and three assists.    All of Tate's statistics were season-highs for 2012-13.

BAKER BOX SCORE
 
Upcoming Games
 
The Bobcats have a busy week ahead as they have four games in eight days.  On Saturday, Peru State hosts Missouri Valley College in HAAC action beginning at 2 p.m. 
 
On Monday, Jan. 7, the 'Cats will go out of conference and play Grace University with the game beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Then, on Thursday, PSC returns to conference play and hosts Benedictine College at 5:30 p.m.
 
Finally, on Saturday, Jan. 12, Peru State will travel to Kansas City, Mo., to face the Avila University Eagles with the game scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.