OKLAHOMA CITY --- The Flying Queens showed resilience and fight to the final horn, but an early deficit proved too much to overcome in a 77–65 setback to #23 Mid-America Christian on Thursday night at the Gaulke Activity Center.
The Flying Queens (5–8, 4–4 Sooner Athletic Conference) struggled to find an offensive rhythm in the opening half as MACU jumped out to a 24–12 first-quarter lead and extended it to 48–25 by halftime. Mid-America Christian shot efficiently in the first two quarters, while Wayland battled cold shooting and turnovers against the aggressive Eagles' defense.
Despite the challenging start, Wayland Baptist never backed down. The Queens began to settle in during the third quarter, trimming into the deficit behind improved ball movement and defensive effort. Wayland continued to chip away in the fourth, outscoring MACU 26–13 in the final period and showing the grit that has defined the team throughout conference play.
Peyton North led all scorers with a game-high 26 points, delivering a standout performance that included seven three-pointers and a perfect shooting stretch in the fourth quarter. North sparked the late surge, knocking down timely shots and attacking the basket to keep the Queens within striking distance.
Ksenija Djokic added 10 points and eight rebounds, providing a steady presence inside, while
Cania Mitchell contributed six points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Jadyn Trusler filled the stat sheet with five points, four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, highlighting Wayland's defensive effort late in the game.
Wayland Baptist shot over 54 percent from the field in the fourth quarter and connected on five three-pointers in the final 10 minutes, but the early hole was difficult to erase against a strong MACU squad.
The Flying Queens will continue their weekend road trip on Saturday, January 10
th when they travel to Chickasha, Oklahoma for a showdown against
RV Science & Arts. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM.
