Scots Tripped Up by Oberlin in NCAC Opener

WOOSTER, Ohio – Consistent shooting and a persistent rebounding presence lifted Oberlin College over The College of Wooster women's basketball team 72-51 on Wednesday evening at Timken Gymnasium.

As a team, the Yeowomen (4-2, 2-0 North Coast Athletic Conference) shot 41 percent from the floor, including 40 percent from three-point range. On the boards, Oberlin pulled down a game-high 51 rebounds, including 18 on the offensive end.

Despite Wooster's bench outscoring Oberlin 33-6, an exceptional effort from Oberlin's Alex Stipano made up for the lack of reserve contributions. Stipano totaled a game-high 28 points in 29 minutes, hitting 11-of-19 from the floor including 4-of-9 from deep.

For Wooster (2-3, 0-1 NCAC), sophomore Erica Roberts put in a team-high 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting to go along with a team-best six rebounds and two blocks. Junior Anna Gibbs delivered a game-high six assists while four different Fighting Scots recorded two steals.

After an opening 9-2 run for Oberlin, Wooster came back within three after a mini 7-3 run of their own, fueled by five points from sophomore Aubri McKoy and a layup off an offensive board from Roberts.

With less than two minutes remaining in the first period, Gibbs and Roberts recorded consecutive layups to bring the Scots back within one (13-14) before Stipano and Anna Moore responded with two straight jumpers.

Down 13-18 after 10 minutes, Wooster kept within striking distance, trailing 17-21 midway through the second before witnessing Oberlin take off on a 12-1 run, led by eight points from Stipano.

An offensive threat did not materialize for Wooster in the third period, as the Scots shot 5-for-17 from the floor for 11 total points. Oberlin's consistency continued with another 18-point period as they took a 53-34 lead heading into the fourth.

The Scots' benched peaked in the final stanza, totaling 13 points on 11 shots, led by five from Roberts and four from sophomore Courtney Lockhart, who continued to show her athleticism and mid-range game. 

Of Oberlin's six turnovers in the final 10 minutes, three were forced, two of which were snagged by first-year Jena Copley.

Up next, Wooster heads to Case Western Reserve University (2-3) on Saturday, Dec. 2 for a 1 p.m. tip.