John Carroll Edges Wooster 85-82 Despite Wenz's Career-High 35 Points

WOOSTER, Ohio - Behind senior guard Kym Wenz and her career-high 35 points, The College of Wooster came back from an early nine-point deficit to take a three-point lead late in the game, but John Carroll University was able to edge out the Fighting Scots in the waning minutes to notch an 85-82 win in a shootout at Timken Gymnasium.

With 4:56 remaining in the game, Samantha Justice knocked down consecutive free throws that put the Scots (0-1) ahead 70-67, but the Blue Streaks (1-0) quickly went on a 6-0 run to regain a three-point lead. Wenz then buried a 3-pointer to tie the game 73-73 at the 3:56 mark, and she went on to score seven more points in the closing minutes, but John Carroll grinded out tough baskets down the stretch to spoil Wooster's home opener.

John Carroll came out shooting behind Katherine Mahoney, who drained back-to-back 3-pointers to start the game, and eventually took a 13-4 lead just 3:35 into the contest. Wooster then went on an 11-2 run to tie the game at 15-15, but from that point on neither team gained control, as there were 10 lead changes on the night.

Wenz, who scored 14 points before the break, took her game to another level in the second period, scoring 21 points, which included three 3-pointers. Her 35-point effort was the second-highest scoring output in school history (38, Kate Montague), and she wrapped up the game 11-of-20 from the field and 10-of-11 from the free throw line.

Wooster's bench outscored John Carroll's reserves 19-5, an effort that was fueled by first-year Jessica Wingen, who posted a double-double (11 points, 10 rebounds) in her Scot debut. Colleen Goodwillie had a solid outing as well, scoring 12 points and adding seven boards in a game-high 37 minutes. The Scots led in rebounding (47-39) and shot over 82 percent (19-of-23) from the free throw line, which are unusual statistics in a setback.

The Scots will look to bounce back this weekend when they host Franciscan University of Steubenville on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the opening round of the Nan Nichols Classic. The consolation and championship games will take place on Sunday starting at 1 pm.