GAME OVERVIEW:
Boston, Mass- Thursday night at Winsor Court the visitors of Lesley Univeristy claimed a hard fought 45-43 victory of Wheelock College in the NECC women's basketball match-up. It was a defensive focus between the two squads with limited scoring on both ends. Strong second and fourth quarters proved to be the difference maker for the Lynx, giving them their second consecutive win in NECC play. With the loss, Wheelock drops to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in NECC play, while Lesley improves to 2-9 and 2-2 in conference.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE:
- Wheelock opened up the game on a 5-0 run taking advantage of Lesley fouls early on and an additional bucket from Katie Walsh. Lesley stopped their momentum off a big 3-pointer from Linda Wallentine to close the gap 5-3.
- The remainder of the first quarter saw minimal scoring on both sides, but it was the Wildcats who were able to keep the lead 12-11.
- The Lynx would begin to push back in the second quarter, ramping up their defensive presence with key rebounds by Theresa Pereira and Wallentine. Lesley took the lead early in the second off a jump shot from Elizabeth Portante and a foul shot from Pereira.
- Both teams exchanged points back and forth until Pereira sunk a shot from downtown to spark the offense for Lesley giving them a 27-24 lead into the half.
- In the third quarter, the game belonged to the Wildcats and junior forward Katie Walsh who recorded 7 points and 7 rebounds to propel Wheelock 33-31 over Lesley. Junior Forward Sarah Tobin commanded a strong defensive front for the Wildcats with two blocks in the period.
- A pair of made free throws by Dakota Jones tied the game at 35-35 in the first minute of the 4th quarter. Both teams traded baskets until Gaby Haywood notched a foul shot to break the tie 40-39 with 4 minutes remaining in the game.
- Wallentine was able to steal the ball and score on a short jumper from the right side of the net to push the Lynx ahead, 41-40. Wheelock quickly took the lead with a Haywood jumper but Lesley responded with a basket of their own, by Portante to once again even the score, 43-43.
- Wallentine was sent to the line with 34 seconds on the clock and scored what would prove to be the game winning point.
- Walsh led all scorers with 22 points for the Wildcats, followed by a 15 point performance from Wallentine for Lesley.
STAT LEADERS:
Lesley
Linda Wallentine- 15 points, 5 steals, 6 rebounds
Dakota Jones- 7 points, 7 rebounds
Wheelock
Katie Walsh- 22 points, 15 rebounds
Holly O'Sullivan- 9 points, 4 steals
UP NEXT:
Lesley next hosts NECC Conference foe Elms College Saturday followed by Lydon State on Sunday.