No. 1 Tigers need second half comeback to defeat Franklin65-54, Gasaway MVP

DePauw junior Emma Ondik advances the ball during a scrimmage this fall. Ondik had 17 points on Friday to help the Tigers advance to play Franklin. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

FRANKLIN -- The DePauw women's basketball team survived a scare Saturday afternoon against Franklin College. After trailing 29-22 at halftime the Tigers mounted a second-half comeback to defeat the Grizzlies 65-54.

With the win the top-ranked Tigers improved to 2-0 on the year, while Franklin dropped to 0-2. The victory was DePauw's 36th straight overall and 55th consecutive in the regular season.

The Tigers trailed by as many as 10 in the first half before scoring 10 straight to even the score at 19-19. Franklin closed the half with six straight to take a seven-point lead at the break.

DePauw gained the lead for good at 45-43 on a pair of Hannah Douglas free throws that started an 11-2 run. Franklin got no closer than six the rest of the way.

The Tigers were led by guard all-tournament team selection Savannah Trees who scored 19 points, 17 of which came in the second half. Tournament most valuable player Alex Gasaway tallied 17 points and guard Ali Ross added 13 points for the Tigers. Alison Stephens grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

The Grizzlies were led by forwards Katie Brewer who had a game high 20 points and Nichole Thompson who added 10 points.

The Tigers outrebounded Franklin 34-27 including 15 on the offensive glass. DePauw shot 36 percent from the floor, but connected on 24 of 31 free throws.

DePauw returns to action Friday, Nov. 22, when it takes on Millikin at the Centre College Classic. Friday's contest is scheduled for a 5 p.m. start.