Worcester, MA --- Leslie Leong (Sacramento, CA) connected on Wellesley's only 3-pointer of the game to forge a tie late in regulation and the Blue, who never led in the opening 40 minutes, held the advantage throughout overtime in a thrilling 52-51 victory over host WPI in a NEWMAC women's basketball contest played on Sunday afternoon.
Wellesley, who has won 10 of its last 11 games, is now 13-7 on the season and 12-4 in conference play while WPI slips to 13-9 overall and 9-7 in NEWMAC action.
The Blue were down eight at 44-36 but held WPI without a point for the final 6:45 to force overtime. After's Leong's heroics tied the game at 44-44 with 1:09, Wellesley forced a shot clock violation then missed a layup on the ensuing possession.
It appeared WPI would have a chance to win but following a timeout, the Engineers turned the ball over with seven seconds to go. Wellesley thinking there was less time on the clock, barely missed on a heave from just inside half court and then missed two subsequent short jumpers before the final buzzer of regulation.
The Blue led by four in the extra session before Theresa Logan (Southbury, MA) drained a 3-pointer with 1:30 left to slice the deficit to one at 50-49. Ashleigh Sargent (Bedford, NH) drained two free throws for the visitor but Yasmeen Luna (North Providence, RI) answered right back for WPI with a jumper with 44 seconds remaining. The Engineers forced one last turnover and had a chance to win the game in the waning seconds but Dani Davis' (East Granby, CT) 3-pointer bounced out and Wellesley inbounded and ran out the clock to secure the win.
WPI never trailed in regulation and used a trio of 3-pointers from Kelly Morgan (Brookline, NH), Davis and Cindy Chelius (Northfield, NJ) midway through the opening half to highlight an 11-0 run that helped give the Engineers a 27-17 lead at the half.
Courtney Jackson (Baldwin, MA) paced all players with 13 points for the Blue to go along with five rebounds and a pair of steals. Morgyne Weaver (Oklahoma City, OK) added 11 points while Malia Maier (Torrance, CA) stuffed the stat sheets with seven steals and six assists. Chelsi Scott (Portland, MI) gave the visitors a boost off the bench with nine points, five rebounds and four steals.
Morgan tossed in a game-best 12 points for WPI, including canning 4-of-6 attempts from behind the 3-point arc. Logan chipped in with nine points and six rebounds while Rachel Pineda (Shrewsbury, MA) contributed eight points and six assists. Davis tallied six points to go along with a career-high six blocks, five of which were in the first half.
For the game, Wellesley held a 22-8 bulge in point in the paint while WPI drained 53.3% (8-of-15) 3-pointers as compared to 1-of-9 by the Blue.
WPI closes out its regular season home slate on Wednesday at 7pm, hosting Smith in its annual Play 4Kay Pink game. Wellesley heads home and entertains Coast Guard at the same time on Wednesday evening.