DEFIANCE, Ohio – The University of Michigan-Dearborn women's basketball team struggled to find its rhythm on the road, falling to the Defiance College Yellow Jackets 58-48 in a Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference matchup on Wednesday evening. The loss drops the Wolverines to 0-12 on the season, with a 0-7 record in conference play, while Defiance improves to 1-10 overall and 1-6 in conference action.

Despite a strong third-quarter surge, Michigan-Dearborn couldn't overcome a slow start and the Yellow Jackets' late-game push. The Wolverines trailed 5-6 after a tightly contested first quarter, but Defiance took control in the second, building an 18-17 lead at halftime.

The Wolverines' offense struggled to get going in the first two periods, shooting 24.3% from the field. While Michigan-Dearborn's defense was active and kept the game close, allowing only 18 points, the Wolverines' offense couldn't capitalize on opportunities. Bailey Stimac added four points, but Michigan-Dearborn was trailing by one heading into halftime.

The third quarter saw a more aggressive Michigan-Dearborn team, as they managed to outscore Defiance 18-16 and cut the deficit to just two points entering the final period. Marissa Thomas was a bright spot, contributing four  of her 10 points in the quarter. The Wolverines also found success on the glass, out-rebounding Defiance 8-6 in the third. Despite a slight momentum shift in Michigan-Dearborn's favor, the Wolverines still couldn't make up enough ground to take the lead.

Defiance came out of the break with renewed intensity, outscoring the Wolverines 24-13 in the final quarter. Chandler Duncan, who finished with a game-high 22 points, dominated the period, scoring nine points and putting the game out of reach. Duncan's strong performance from the field (7-of-23) and free-throw line (8-of-11) helped the Yellow Jackets maintain their advantage as Michigan-Dearborn's offense struggled to find consistency.