WILMINGTON, Ohio - Five Fightin' Quakers scored in double figures as the Wilmington College women's basketball team won convincingly 96-81 over Muskingum University in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) action at Fred Raizk Arena on Friday evening.
The Fighting Muskies scored five of the first six points as the Fightin' Quakers struggled from the free throw line early. That deficit, however, would be the largest of the game for Wilmington as the hosts quickly battled back to take a lead on a Hanna Binkley triple. Neither side would lead by more than a possession until a 7-0 spurt, thanks to baskets from Kennedy Lewis, Brooke Stover and Haley Cook, gave the Quakers a 29-20 lead after one.
Wilmington rode that momentum to score in 8-of-10 possessions to open the second quarter. The Quakers made their first nine shots from the field to open up a 48-29 advantage. Five minutes later, and the hosts led 56-35 at halftime.
The halftime break wouldn't help the Muskies as WC outscored Muskingum 25-16 in the third quarter to put the game out of reach, marking the program's 13th consecutive win over Muskingum.
Wilmington finished 39-of-75 (52.0 percent) from the field fueled by a 62-36 points in the pain advantage. Both squads finished exactly 13-of-20 from the charity stripe with the Quakers winning the rebounding battle 50-38.
The Quakers had five individuals score in double figures including Zahrya Bailey's career-high 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go along with five rebounds and six assists. Two others – Elise Carpenter and Kelis Jones – also set career highs in scoring with 12 points each. Carpenter and freshman Haley Cook both grabbed seven boards. The Binkley twins, McKayla and Hannah, combined for 28 points with Kennedy Lewis dished out four assists.
A quartet of Muskies – Sarah Miller, Tanner Wirth, Baileigh Bishop and Abby Jones – finished with either 12 or 13 points in defeat.
Wilmington (2-1) heads to New Concord for a 6 p.m. game on Saturday.
