NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Muskingum University hit seven three-pointers in the first half and built a double-digit lead it wouldn't relinquish in a 59-46 Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) victory over the Wilmington College women's basketball team on Wednesday evening.

Jada Pohlen scored the game's first five points, but the Muskies answered with an 11-2 run capped by a Tori Jones triple with 3:42 to play in the first quarter. Muskingum, which led 16-12 after 10 minutes, opened the second period on a 12-2 run that forced WC Head Coach Janel Blankespoor to call timeout with her team trailing 28-14. The hosts would lead by as many as 17 in the first half, but just like the game began, Pohlen ended the half with five points to keep the Quakers within striking distance down a dozen (39-27) at intermission.

Wilmington scored the first five points of the second half to pull within six, but after a Musky timeout, Jones hit another triple. The Quakers hung around as a Cassidy Lovett layup with two minutes to play in the quarter made the score 44-37, but two three-point plays including a ill-timed foul at the buzzer gave Muskingum a 50-37 edge with 10 minutes to play.

A Kyria Walker jumper and a Musky free throw were all the points scored the first six minute of the fourth quarter. Five straight points from Walker got Wilmington back within seven (51-44), but the Quakers could get no closer and Muskingum earned the season split.

Both teams made 20 field goals and shot between 30-40 percent for the game, but the hosts, who were held to a single three-pointer in the second half, made 8-of-24 from distance and converted 11-of-15 (73.3 percent) from the free throw line. The visitors, conversely, made just 3-of-13 (23.1 percent) from beyond the arc and 3-of-9 from the charity stripe. Muskingum held a 44-34 rebounding advantage that led to a 15-6 disparity in second-chance points while Wilmington outscored the Muskies 17-11 in points off turnovers.

A trio of Muskies - Caitlyn DeMassimo, Taylor DeMassimo and Jones - all finished in double figures with Caitlyn DeMassimo having a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Pohlen led Wilmington with 16 points and five rebounds while Walker added 11 points off the bench. 

Wilmington (13-9, 7-8 OAC) heads to Marietta College for the final road game of the 2023 regular season on Saturday. Tip-off from Ban Johnson Arena is scheduled for 1 p.m.