On an unusually warm January afternoon on Cleveland's east side, the John Carroll women's basketball team melted the nets in an inspired 71-68 Ohio Athletic Conference victory over Wilmington College.
Five players scored in double figures for the home team, which picked up its second league win of the season.
Today's contest marked the fourth in a row that the Blue Streaks had held a late second half lead. This time, the offense scored enough points and the defense made plays down the stretch to preserve the victory.
It was John Carroll's first win since December 20.
The Blue Streaks sprung from the locker room with a 38-point first half on 16-of-31 shooting (51.6%) and 10 points from sophomore Hilary Liwosz. They led the Quakers by seven at intermission.
After the break, John Carroll went back to work. Behind several aggressive drives to the basket by Liwosz and Missy Spahar, as well as a timely three-pointer by senior Emily Day, the Streaks built a 47-35 advantage with 15:48 remaining.
However, Wilmington would not go quietly. A 17-4 run that culminated with two free throws by Bria Eslick put the Quakers on top 56-54, their first lead since 4-2.
The Blue & Gold struck right back with a 6-0 spurt on consecutive buckets by Day, Spahar, and freshman Beth Switzler. The last seven minutes featured two ties and two lead changes, and neither team would hold more than a four-point edge.
With 10.2 seconds remaining and possession of the ball under their own hoop, Wilmington turned the ball over into the hands of Emily Day, who knocked in one of two free throws to finish the scoring. Haley Howard's potential game-tying three-point shot came after the final horn sounded.
Despite being outrebounded, 53-34, John Carroll won their second OAC game with a gritty performance that included 12 steals and 13-of-18 shooting at the free throw line.
Liwosz led the way with 17 points, and Day added 14 on 6-of-11 from the floor. Switzler (11), Spahar (10), and Allie Lustig (10) also reached double figures.
For the Quakers, Bria Eslick scored 15 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, while Makenzie Wippel also scored a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards.
With the win, the Blue Streaks improve to 5-8, 2-5 in the OAC, and the Quakers slip to 9-5, 4-3 in the conference.