The Wilmington College women's basketball team went on two extended runs, and were able to secure the 66-58 victory over Otterbein Wednesday in Ohio Athletic Conference action at Fred Raizk Arena in Hermann Court.
Four different players scored during an 11-2 spurt near the end of the second quarter that enabled Wilmington to push its slim two-point lead to double figures for the first time in the game. The second spurt, 11-0, allowed the Fightin' Quakers to build a game-high 18 point advantage.
Sophomore Mackenzie Campbell (Cincinnati, OH/Turpin) was in the middle of both runs, but it was her three-pointer and fast break layup in the second spurt that was the key. Otterbein had scored five consecutive to get within seven, and WC was looking uncomfortable offensively.
"I thought defensively we were solid the entire game, and those two runs were really just us playing good defense and making some shots," said Wilmington head coach Jerry Scheve. "We were very good (defensively) today. It seemed like everyone was locked in on their assignment. We guarded them how we wanted to guard them, and the got very few shots that we were worried about them getting. That was a good team effort."
Wilmington held the Cardinals to just 23 percent shooting in the pivotal third quarter, outscoring its guests, 16-9.
The Fightin' Quakers held the edge in points in the paint (38-22) and off turnovers (23-9), while also holding the advantage on the glass (34-27).
With Campbell on the bench for the entire fourth period, other players – mainly junior Emily Harman (Versailles, OH/Versailles) came up huge for Wilmington. Harman scored six of her 10 points in the final 10 minutes.
"I thought Emily Harman came up big down the stretch with some key baskets and rebounds, and we were able to handle their pressure," said Scheve.
Campbell finished with a team-high 18 points and six rebounds in three quarters of play.
Senior Brittaney Jefferson (Dayton, OH/Chaminade Julienne) added 12 points, while junior Savannah Hooper (Leesburg, OH/Wilmington) added seven points and a career-high seven rebounds.
"She has been rebounding the ball very well in the last three or four games," said Scheve. "That is really good to see. Savannah has made her mark so far as a scorer and defender. If she can start adding other numbers on the stat line, it's a sign she is becoming a very good player for us."
Wilmington (15-7 overall, 11-4 OAC) remains tied for second place with Baldwin Wallace, and travels to Marietta 3 p.m. Saturday.
