November 11, 2023

WBB: Westfield State pulls away from Panthers in second half

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Sophomore Sophie George (Meredith, N.H.) poured in 18 points and junior Bri Wilcox (Londonderry, N.H.) added 17 points and six rebounds but Westfield State University used a big second half to top Plymouth State University, 86-63, in a non-conference women's basketball game at Foley Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.

Plymouth State trailed by just six, 21-15, after an up-and-down first quarter and Wilcox drained a three pointer in the final seconds of the second quarter to trim the deficit to 41-38 at the half.

Westfield State put up 29 third-quarter points thanks to 16 free throw attempts and a stifling defense and the Panthers were unable to rally in the fourth quarter.

Plymouth State drops its season opener to even out at 1-1, while Westfield State also goes to 1-1.

The Basics:

• Plymouth State 63, Westfield State 86
  • Plymouth State (1-1)
  • Westfield State (1-1)

Top Performers:

• Sophie George (18 pts, 6-16 fg, 5-5 ft)
• Bri Wilcox (17 pts, 4-6 fg, 6 reb, 3 stl)
• Sabrina Vlahovic (8 pts, 3-7 fg, 8 reb)
• Ashley Stephens (7 pts, 10 reb, 2 stl)

How it Happened:

• Westfield State hit a pair of triples to open the game, but Vlahovic got to the basket to tie the score at 6-6 after 3:30 of play.
• George completed an and-one as the Panthers went in front, 9-8, with 4:30 left in the first.
• A late surge saw Westfield go up 21-13, but George hit a pair of free throws with less than a second on the clock to make it a six-point game, 21-15, after one.
• The Owls pushed the lead to 30-22 with a triple, but PSU battled back with six straight points to get within 30-28 at the midpoint.
• PSU kept it close, and Wilcox drained a three to make it 41-38 at the half.
• Plymouth State pulled even, 46-46, on George's three-pointer 3:35 into the third.
• The Owls started to pull away, but Wilcox was fouled while burying a three, and she converted at the free throw line to make it 52-50 with 4:55 left in the third.
• Westfield State answered with 14-straight points to take control as the Owls took a 70-54 lead into the fourth.
• PSU was unable to whittle away at the margin in the fourth, as Westfield State went on for the win.

By the Numbers:

• PSU went 20-of-57 (35.1%) from the floor and sank 20-of-24 free throws (83.3%).
• The Owls held a slight, 47-45, edge on the glass.
• Westfield State has won 5-of-7 meetings.

Up Next:

• Plymouth State heads to Rivier on Tuesday (Nov. 14) for a 7:00 p.m. clash with the Raiders.

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