PHILIPPI, W. Va. (Nov. 23)- The Wheeling University Women's Basketball team fell to Alderson Broaddus on Tuesday night 98-94. Three free throws in the closing seconds of overtime were key in propelling the Battlers to their first win of the season.
Scoring was frequent in the first quarter for both squads, with Wheeling leading 24-19 after one period. Both teams were 6-13 from the field in the quarter, but Wheeling added key points at the free throw line, sinking 11 of 14 attempts in the period.
The second quarter was tight as well, with Wheeling outscoring the Battlers by just one point in the frame to lead 43-37 at the half.
Alderson Broaddus found its stride in the third quarter, adding 28 points to the scoreboard. The Battlers found many opportunities to score, knocking down 13 of 21 shots to lead 65-56 after three.
Wheeling surged back in the fourth quarter, creating a tight game to the end of regulation. The Cardinals led off the fourth with incredible shooting from
Emily Holzopfel, who scored eight points in just over one minute to put Wheeling within one. She knocked down two threes, one two-pointer, and added a rebound for good measure within that minute. A
Lauren Calhoun layup 50 seconds later gave Wheeling the lead back for the first time since early in the third quarter. Overall, Wheeling went on a 20-5 run that lasted almost seven minutes to take control. The teams traded leads down to the end of regulation, but a
Shanley Woods three-pointer with 14 seconds remaining tied the ballgame at 82-82. Wheeling fouled Hannah Taylor and sent her to the line with just one second remaining. She converted on both attempts to give Alderson Broaddus the 84-82 lead with one tick left. However, the Cardinal offense got a quick look with Calhoun laying one in as time expired to send the game to overtime.
Alderson Broaddus and Wheeling traded leads and tied throughout the overtime period, with AB's largest lead reaching four points with 1:02 left.
Taylor Cullen hit a three with one minute left to put the Cardinals back within one 95-94. Two late Wheeling fouls put the Battlers at the line with five seconds left, with Nyshae' Weaver and Emma Pavelek combining to make three of the four attempts to extend the lead and eventually take the win 98-94.
Wheeling had four scorers in double figures and was led by
Lauren Calhoun, who continues to lead the scoring for the Cardinal offense. She had 20 points after going 9-14 from the field and was just one rebound shy of picking up her third double-double of the season.
Shanley Woods added 18 points with a trio of three-pointers and going a perfect 9-9 from the free throw line.
Shamia Strayhorn had 14 points and a team high five assists while
Jacqui Hinesmon chipped in 11 markers.
Alderson Broaddus was led by Hannah Taylor who earned 33 points after going 17-18 from the charity stripe. Iyahnna Williams and Emma Pavelek each had 14 points.
The Wheeling women will be back in action after the Thanksgiving break when they go back on the road to take on Davis & Elkins on December 1. Tip is scheduled for 5:30 with the men's contest to follow.
