Scots Catch Fire in Second Half of 82-67 Win Over Geneva

WOOSTER, Ohio – The College of Wooster overcame a slow start, which included a 12-point first-half deficit, to shoot over 60 percent from the field in the second half en route to its third-straight double-digit victory, 82-67, over Geneva College on Wednesday evening at Timken Gymnasium.

The Fighting Scots, who move to 3-0 for the first time in 10 years, were slow out the gates, and Geneva (0-3) steadily pulled away as the first half wore on. With under five minutes remaining in the half, the Golden Tornadoes led by as much as 29-17, but the Scots put together a 14-3 scoring run, which was capped by a 3-pointer from Rachel Collins, that pulled Wooster within one, 32-31, at the break.

Wooster gained momentum early in the second half, as Sydney Grier drained three 3-pointers during a 2:30-span, with the last one putting Wooster ahead by eight (53-45). Shortly after that, the Scots went on a 15-2 scoring run, which included eight of Collins' game-high 19 points, that pushed the advantage to 16 (71-55). The Scots led by as much as 19 down the stretch, before finishing with a 15-point victory.

It was a tale of two halves, as Wooster shot just 34.1 percent (14-for-41) in the first, but made 61.3 percent (19-for-31) in the second. Ironically, it was Wooster's biggest strength, its free-throw shooting, that was its weakness in this game, as it made just 1-of-9 in the first half, and 9-of-24 (.375) overall.

Collins' 19 points were the most of her young career, and tied for the most by a Scot this season. She also added four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench.

She wasn't alone in the scoring column, as Wooster remained balanced with three other players reaching double-figures as well. Grier scored a career-high 15 points, coming on five 3-pointers, while Lauren Hancher posted 14 points and six rebounds, and Karley Walker added 11 tallies.

Maura Hall missed a third consecutive double-double by three points (she had 7), but she added the second-most rebounds of her career (15), and passed out three assists.

Geneva was led by Miranda Heaney, who finished with 17 points and four boards.

Wooster will look to continue its strong start to the season when it visits Franciscan University of Steubenville (0-2) on Saturday at 3 p.m.