Scots Struggle to Find Balance in Setback to Centre

The College of Wooster received strong offensive efforts from three players – as Lauren Hancher scored a game-high 18 points, Aki Shurelds had a career-high 13, and Rachel Collins added 11 – but the rest of the Fighting Scots combined for just six points in a 69-48 setback to Centre College on Tuesday during the Mariott – Columbus Airport Holiday Tournament at Columbus, Ohio.

The Scots (1-10) are typically much more balanced on offense, but in this contest, only Hancher, Shurelds, and Collins were able to get it going. Especially in the first half, when the trio scored all but one of Wooster's 24 points.

Still, that output was almost enough to give the Scots a lead heading into the break, as Shurelds buried a 3-pointer with 3:35 to go that put Wooster ahead for the fourth time at 23-21. Centre (4-6) responded with a 7-1 scoring run down the stretch, though, and held a narrow 28-24 advantage at halftime.

The Colonels steadily pulled away in the second half behind 60.0 percent (15-for-25) shooting from the field, while Wooster's struggles from behind the arc (0-for-7) all but prevented a potential comeback.

Hancher led all scorers with 18 points and tied a career-high with eight rebounds – which was also a game-high. Following today's games, she was rewarded with a spot on the all-tournament team.

Shurelds' 13 tallies were the most of her young career, besting the 12 she put up against Mount St. Joseph University earlier this month. Collins scored 11, giving her three double-digit games in her last five.

Capital was led by Maggie Hartiage, who totaled 17 points on 7-for-12 shooting.

Wooster will look to get back into the win column this Saturday when it visits North Coast Athletic Conference foe Denison University (6-6, 2-1 NCAC) for a 1 p.m. tip.