Scots Face Tough Test at 18th-Ranked Ohio Weselyan

DELAWARE – The College of Wooster women's basketball team faced their toughest test this season in a 78-38 defeat at 18th-ranked Ohio Wesleyan University on Saturday.

In the North Coast Athletic Conference matchup, Ohio Wesleyan (14-2, 5-0 NCAC) brought the press early, forcing three quick turnovers. Wooster was forced to call a timeout after trailing 6-0 just 1:06 into the game.

Once Wooster got going, offense was spread around with points from Mackenzie Riccitelli, Ella Dean, Ella Biondi and a putback basket from Anna Hardink to end the quarter as Wooster trailed 18-8.

Wooster (3-13, 0-5 NCAC) had 12 first quarter turnovers, while the Bishops only committed one. That led to more opportunities for Ohio Wesleyan, taking 21 shot attempts to Wooster's 10.

Wooster cut down its turnovers in the second quarter to just three and had more players get into the scoring column, including Chloe Pordash who scored on an isolation layup.

Late in the quarter, Wooster hit a pair of 3-pointers on back-to-back possessions thanks to Lynx Lander and Dean. Yet, Ohio Wesleyan countered and kept its lead significant at 39-20 at halftime.

Nine players ended up scoring including Ace Sturdivant, Erica Beaty and Katelyn Barnes. Riccitelli and Dean each led the Scots with eight points.

For Riccitelli, it was her first game this season where she failed to score at least 10 points, snapping a 15-game streak.

Ohio Wesleyan was led by an 18-point, 10-rebound performance from Macy Miller.

Wooster shot just 32 percent (15 of 47), while Ohio Wesleyan shot 42 percent (33 of 78). The Scots ended up committing a season-high 28 turnovers. Ohio Wesleyan committed just five.

The Scots were only outrebounded by four, 39-35, and were perfect from the foul line at 4 of 4.

Next, Wooster returns to action Wednesday to host Kenyon College.