BEXLEY, Ohio – Baldwin Wallace University's women's basketball team rode an explosive second half performance, more than doubling their first half total to earn a 54-47 victory over Capital University on Friday night.
With the victory, the Yellow Jackets (4-3, 4-3 Ohio Athletic Conference) snap a three-game skid and take the opener of the home-and-home series against Capital (2-3, 2-3 OAC). The Yellow Jackets once again improved their all-time series record against Capital, and now trail 35-50, having won their 10th consecutive matchup in the series.
Junior Lilly Edwards (Dublin/Coffman) continued her prolific start to the season, recording 13 points and eight rebounds. By going into double figures for the fifth game in a row, it's the first time she's accomplished the feat since her freshman year. Senior Gabby Garrett (Columbus/Bishop Watterson) also returned to double figures for the fourth time this season, tallying 15 points to lead the Yellow Jackets, along with four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The first quarter proved to be a battle for both teams, but the Yellow Jackets were able to secure an 8-8 tie after one. Garrett and Carolyn Wochele (Mentor) each knocked down a three-pointer to lead the Yellow Jackets offense.
Capital came out hot in the second quarter, beginning it on a 7-0 run. However, Edwards was able to keep the game in check, scoring back-to-back buckets which allowed the Yellow Jackets to remain within striking distance. BW featured a diverse attack, with five different players notching points, but trailed 20-16 at the half.
Garrett got hot in the third, notching eight points, including two three-pointers. Garrett recorded eight of BW's 14 points, with Edwards tallying another four to aid the Yellow Jackets offense, who were able to cut into Capital's lead. The Yellow Jackets took the quarter 14-12 but remained down 32-30 entering the fourth.
The play of sophomore Kelsey George (Centerville) proved critical for the Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter. Entering the game with a career-high of three points, she burst into action, setting a personal career high of nine points in the fourth quarter alone, along with three three-pointers. The Yellow Jackets attempted a prolific number of three-pointers, taking 33 of them overall, which fell just two shy of tying a program record. George's third three-pointer sparked an 11-0 run for the Yellow Jackets, who held on from there, outscoring Capital 24-15 in the fourth to secure the victory.
The Yellow Jackets will return to action on Saturday, February 13 for the back end of the home-and-home series against Capital. The Yellow Jackets will tip off in Ursprung Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m.
