MARIETTA – Playing without leading scorer Mackenzie Campbell, the Wilmington offense committed a season-high 30 turnovers in falling to Marietta Saturday, 57-42, in Ohio Athletic Conference at Ban Johnson Arena.
"We didn't value the basketball today," said Wilmington head coach Jerry Scheve. "You can't get shots when you turn the ball over that many times. We didn't handle their half court pressure well."
The loss drops Wilmington into third place in the Ohio Athletic Conference, one game behind Baldwin Wallace.
"This game meant nothing for the standings at the end of the year," said Scheve. "We have to come back Monday, get ready for Capital, and have a great week."
Despite trailing BW by one game, Wilmington can win out and earn the second seed in the upcoming OAC tournament. The Fightin' Quakers would have the tiebreaker over the Yellow Jackets. Wilmington hosts Capital 7:30 p.m. Wednesday before traveling to BW 3 p.m. Saturday.
Unfortunately for the Fightin' Quakers, it was their experienced players that were the centerpiece of the offensive miscues. The four seniors combined for 22 of the team's 30 turnovers.
Marietta went on an 18-4 run to end the first quarter and into the second to build its hefty cushion. Wilmington aided the Pioneers' run by turning the ball over on four straight possessions, and shooting 1-of-8 with seven turnovers.
All wasn't lost for Wilmington as the Fightin' Quakers had one last run in them. Trailing by 22 with five minutes remaining, WC embarked on a comeback attempt.
Wilmington defense locked down on the Pioneers, holding them to just three points over nine minutes, allowing the Fightin' Quakers to get to within eight with seven minutes remaining. However, Marietta was able to right itself and pull away for the victory.
Senior Ashley Andracki (Columbus, OH/Bishop Watterson) was the lone Wilmington player in double figures with 11 points, while senior Mary Moyer (Martinsville, OH/Clinton Massie) pulled down 11 boards.
Junior Savannah Hooper (Leesburg, OH/Wilmington) added eight points, while senior Brittaney Jefferson (Dayton, OH/Chaminade Julienne) finished seven points and eight boards.
