Park University's women's basketball program faced off against Graceland University in the final conference game of 2023. The matchup, marked by resilient efforts from both sides, ended with the Yellow Jackets securing a 64-61 victory in overtime.

The Pirates are now 6-6 overall on the season, holding a 3-5 record in the Heart of America Conference. With the win, Graceland University mirrors Park's 6-6 overall record and finishes the year with a 4-4 conference record.

The game between the Pirates and the Yellow Jackets kicked off with Graceland in possession, yet Park turned the tide with a defensive rebound and a three-point shot by Emma Perry. Graceland responded with two layups, briefly taking the lead at 4-3. Taylor Shelby reclaimed the lead for Park with another basket from the three-point range, pushing the score to 6-4.

As the first quarter unfolded, Park extended their lead to 10-4 with Makayla Artis scoring back-to-back layups. By the 4:47 mark, Graceland had been held scoreless since 8:09. Taylor Shelby contributed two free throws, and Graceland managed only one, resulting in a 12-5 lead for Park. A late layup by the Yellow Jackets closed the quarter at 12-7 for the Pirates.

Graceland opened the second quarter narrowing the gap to 12-9. After that, both teams struggled from the 3-point line, with 3 shots from each, but no score. Only at 6:21, a crucial steal by Angel Wiggins led to a fast break layup from Emma Perry, extending Park's lead to 14-9. Graceland, however, finished the quarter strongly with two 3-point buckets and a free throw, outscoring the Pirates 18-5 in the quarter and leading 25-17 at halftime.

The third quarter introduced a standout performance from Park's Angel Wiggins, who came off the bench in the first quarter and contributed 19 points – all in the second half and overtime. At 9:27, she scored her first points, setting the stage for the later comeback. Makayla Artis pressured inside the paint and earned a 2+1 in the middle of the quarter. The teams exchanged points, but Graceland held a 44-30 lead at the buzzer.

The fourth quarter witnessed a thrilling comeback from Park, with a 25-11 run. Taylor Shelby, Angel Wiggins, and Emma Perry scored from beyond the arc, while Marina Perdiguero, Makayla Artis, and Nevaeh Spillman were effective inside the paint.

In the first minute of the quarter, Graceland extended the lead with a three-pointer, reaching a 17-point advantage at 47-30. Undeterred, the Pirates initiated a resilient reaction with a layup from Marina Perdiguero and a 3-point basket by Taylor Shelby to close the gap, 47-35. Over the next three and a half minutes, Park went on a 12-2 run. Graceland responded with a jump shot, and Makayla Artis added a free throw, pushing the score to 51-48.

A strategic timeout by Park preceded a game-changing sequence, as Angel Wiggins tied the game with a basket from downtown followed by a layup, putting Park ahead of the Yellow Jackets, 53-51. Graceland swiftly countered with a 4-0 run, reclaiming a 2-point lead at 55-53. Taylor Shelby's free throws with 30 seconds on the clock tied the game at 55-55, forcing the contest into overtime.

In the overtime period, the Yellow Jackets secured a narrow 64-61 victory. Post-game statistics showed Graceland had a better field goal margin at 36.8 percent, while Park had 30 percent. Yet, the Pirates outperformed the opponent in rebounds (49 to 43) and assists (15 to 12).

The Pirates were led by Taylor Shelby with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, Angel Wiggins with 19 points and 7 rebounds, and Makayla Artis with 10 points and 7 rebounds.

Park continues the Heart schedule with Benedictine College after the winter break, on January 3rd at 5:30pm in Atchison, KS.