DEFIANCE, Ohio – A big third quarter propelled the Manchester University women's basketball team past host Defiance College 71-59 on Friday, February 5.

The Black & Gold outscored the Yellow Jackets 25-11 in the third frame to secure Friday's victory.

Following a 30-30 tie at the intermission, the Spartans shot 10-17 from the floor, 2-5 from three, and 3-4 from the foul line in the third period to put distance between themselves and the Yellow Jackets.

Manchester extended its lead to as much as 18 points midway through the fourth quarter.

The inside play of Macy Miller (Huntertown, Ind./Carroll) and Tiara Jackson (East Chicago, Ind./Central) sparked the MU offense yet again as the duo combined for 37 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals and five blocks.

Miller poured in her third career game with 20 or more points, leading Manchester with 21 on the night. Miller added seven boards, one steal, and one block.

Jackson added 16 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high four blocks.

Junior guard Bridget Nash (Carmel, Ind./Bishop Chatard) filled the stat sheet with seven points, six rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Her rebound and steal totals were both new career-highs.

All eight Spartans that played scored at least four points on Friday night. MU got 16 points from its bench.

Defiance was limited to 36.8% (21-57) shooting for the game. The Yellow Jackets were also forced into committing 21 turnovers. Manchester converted those 21 turnovers into 21 points.

Taylor Day led DC with 13 points. Cait Good added 11 points and six rebounds.

These two teams will square off again tomorrow evening in North Manchester. Game time from Stauffer-Wolfe Arena is scheduled for 5 p.m.