Allegheny Holds On in Closing Moments to Edge Wooster 57-56

Jessica Wingen scored four of her game-high 18 points in the game's closing moments to pull The College of Wooster women's basketball team within 57-56, but Allegheny College managed to hold on by that score to upend the Fighting Scots in a North Coast Athletic Conference season opener for both teams Wednesday evening at Meadville, Ohio.

The Scots (1-3, 0-1 NCAC), who led by as much as seven points (20-13) in the first half, found themselves trailing 43-38 midway through the second half. At that juncture, Maura Hall came up with a steal that led to a Suvi Puripattarapan fast break, where the latter drew a foul and sank both free throws to cut the deficit to 43-40.

Moments later, Puripattarapan made her only 3-pointer of the game to tie the score (43-43) for the first time since late in the first half.

Allegheny's (5-2, 1-0 NCAC) Kendall Hoffman responded with a 3-pointer of her own to take back the lead (46-43), but then Wingen drained a jumper and Sarah Abboud hit her third 3-ball of the evening to give Wooster a 50-48 advantage.

The Scots let their slight lead slip away after the Gators went on a quick 9-2 scoring run to make it 57-52. Then with 1:32 remaining in regulation, Wingen scored on a Karley Walker assist to pull within 57-54, and with :42 on the clock, Wingen delivered another bucket to cut the deficit to one (57-56).

The Gators missed a 3-pointer on their next possession allowing Wooster to hurry down the court for one last shot, but Allegheny forced a turnover to seal the win.

On the night, Wooster shot 35.0 percent from the field (22-for-63) and 88.0 percent from the charity stripe (7-for-8).

Wingen had a very productive game, recording 18 points, nine boards, and three blocked shots. Puripattarapan added 13 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Abboud totaled nine points, all coming from behind the arc.

Allegheny was paced by Hoffman's 15 points, and Heidi Goeller racked up a double-double (11 points, 12 rebounds).

This Saturday, Wooster will visit Hiram College for a 1 p.m. tip.