WOOSTER, Ohio – In a critical game-sealing sequence, Jessica Wingen blocked a shot that could have potentially tied the game, rebounded the ball, and then was sent to the free throw line where she knocked down consecutive baskets, giving The College of Wooster women's basketball team a 52-48 win over Hiram College on Wednesday night at Timken Gymnasium.
The Fighting Scots (5-10, 2-4 NCAC) only trailed for 59 seconds during the course of the game, but the Terriers (2-12, 1-4 NCAC) kept it close, and Amy Geisman came up with a steal that led to a Jess Cowan basket which tied things up 44-44 with 4:48 remaining.
Keshia Butler responded with a lay up on the other end, and Kym Wenz connected on a couple of free throws that put the Scots back on top 48-44. Just over two minutes later, Brittany Mayle assisted on a Geisman jumper that drew Hiram within two (48-50) with 1:05 on the clock.
The Scots attempted to hold on to their two-point lead, but Hiram regained possession in the closing seconds and were looking to send the game into overtime or win it outright with a last second shot. Then with 12 ticks remaining, Wingen swatted Hiram's two-point attempt and pulled in the rebound, forcing the Terriers to send her to the free throw line.
Wingen connected on both shots to seal the Scots second North Coast Athletic Conference win of the season, and third straight over Hiram, extending their all-time series advantage to 22-4.
It was a banner night for Wingen, as the freshman totaled eight points and eight rebounds to go along with four blocks in 19 minutes off the bench.
Along with Wingen, Kaitlin Krister also had a solid outing, tying a career-high with 15 rebounds, while adding six points, two blocks, and two steals in an impressive all-around effort. Kym Wenz finished with a team-high 14 points, and Colleen Goodwillie added 11 tallies, which included three 3-balls.
The Scots produced an eight-point lead (25-17) in the first half following a Samantha Sulzer steal and basket, but the Terriers went into the break on an 8-0 run that culminated in a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Mayle which tied the game 25-25.
Mayle led the Terriers with 11 points and eight rebounds, while Cowan chipped in eight points and two steals in the setback.
Wooster will be back in action Saturday when visiting Earlham College (2-12, 1-5 NCAC) invades Timken Gymnasium at 3 p.m.