Box Score

BEXLEY, Ohio – Otterbein University women’s basketball tallied its fourth-consecutive victory Saturday afternoon, winning 64-39 at crosstown rival Capital University.

The Cardinals improve to 10-3 overall and 4-2 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play with the win, dropping the Crusaders to 9-4 this season and 4-2 against league schools.

A three-pointer from senior Allie Leopard gave the Cardinals an early 16-8 lead, and Otterbein’s defense continued to fluster Capital as the Cards seized a 25-8 advantage by the 8:57 mark.

Otterbein widened the lead and eventually went into halftime ahead 35-18, holding Capital to its lowest point total in the opening half this season.

The Cards held a 39-21 lead a few minutes into the second stanza, but Capital found an offensive stride and closed to within 11, at 43-32, with 13:53 showing on the game clock.

Capital stayed within striking distance temporarily, but Otterbein widened its double-digit advantage down the stretch in securing the victory.

Senior Hannah Day and sophomore Tabatha Piper led the way again for Otterbein, combining for 33 points and 14 rebounds on 10 of 17 shooting. The duo also combined to make 10 of 12 free throws.

Leopard contributed an all-around game of 12 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while backcourt mate Chelsea Reed scored six to go along with five dimes.

The 39 points marks a season low for Capital, replacing the previous mark of 53 scored Dec. 8 against Baldwin Wallace.

The Cardinal defense was impressive throughout, limiting Capital to shooting just .269 from the field. Otterbein sophomore Madi Miller, who was scoreless in 17 minutes off the bench, made her mark in other ways by spearheading the defensive pressure on the perimeter.

Otterbein made 19 of 25 free throws as a team compared to Capital’s 5 of 15 effort from the charity stripe. The Cards also won the rebounding battle, 42-34.

The Cardinals hit the road for a pair of conference outings next week, traveling to Wilmington College Wednesday evening before taking on Heidelberg University on Saturday.