SYLVANIA, Ohio (LourdesAthletics.com) -- After a heart-breaking loss to Madonna University, the Lourdes University Gray Wolves (16-6, 10-4 WHAC) return to the Russell J. Ebeid Recreation Center for a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup against Defiance College (7-13, 4-10 WHAC). Lourdes currently sits in third place in the WHAC standings, while the Yellowjackets rank 11th in the conference.

Series History

The Gray Wolves and Yellowjackets have met just once before, with Lourdes securing a dominant 75-55 victory earlier this season. Defiance will look to even the series, while Lourdes aims to replicate its success and get back in the win column. 

Scouting Lourdes

The Gray Wolves have been in strong form, winning four of their last five games. Their lone setback came in a narrow two-point loss to Madonna, a game in which Shaunn Monroe delivered another standout performance. With Monroe leading the way, Lourdes will look to bounce back quickly and maintain its position in the upper tier of the WHAC standings.

Scouting Defiance

The Yellowjackets enter this matchup with some momentum after winning their last game and will aim to build a winning streak. Having already suffered a 20-point loss to Lourdes earlier this season, Defiance will be looking for revenge and a chance to prove they can compete against one of the conference's top teams.

Players to Watch:

Lourdes:

• #3 Shaunn Monroe (Senior, Guard) – A dynamic scorer and playmaker, Monroe leads the NAIA in scoring with 26.3 points per game while also averaging 4.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The WHAC Offensive Player of the Week seven times this season, Monroe has been the focal point of the Gray Wolves' offense and will be a key player once again.
• #14 Devyn Jones (Senior, Forward) – A force in the paint, Jones leads Lourdes in rebounding (4.3 RPG) and provides rim protection on the defensive end. His ability to control the boards will be crucial in limiting second-chance opportunities for Defiance.

Defiance:

• #3 Connor Bush (Junior, Guard) – The Yellowjackets' top offensive option, Bush leads the team with 14.2 points per game. He will be a key piece in Defiance's game plan as they look to challenge Lourdes.
• #4 Jalen Brown (Freshman, Guard) – A reliable facilitator, Brown leads Defiance in total assists (49) while also ranking second in total rebounds. His ability to distribute the ball and contribute on the glass makes him an underrated threat in this matchup.

With Lourdes aiming to bounce back and Defiance looking to spark a late-season surge, this WHAC showdown has plenty at stake as the Gray Wolves seek another home victory.