Box Score

BEXLEY, Ohio – Otterbein women's basketball came up short in rivalry action Saturday afternoon on the road, falling to cross-town opponent Capital University by a score of 71-58 in league action.

Otterbein (4-7, 2-3 OAC) opened the game strong, holding a 20-11 lead midway through the first half before the host Crusaders strung together a 13-0 run to jump ahead 24-20.

The Cardinals stayed close the remainder of the half, getting a pair of free throws from point guard Chelsea Reed near the end to trail just 34-32 at the break. Otterbein shot 46 percent from the floor in the first period compared to just 29 percent for Capital, but the Purple and White made 13 of 16 free throws and out-rebounded the Cards 29-11.

Capital (4-4, 2-2 OAC) extended its lead to double digits and held a 13-point lead early in the second half, but Otterbein stayed put and used a 13-2 run to close back within a possession, at 53-50, after a three-pointer from Reed with 8:12 to play.

The Crusaders gathered themselves and regained control, fighting off a pesky Otterbein bunch down the stretch to earn the win.
Reed paced the Cardinals with 15 points, three assists and two steals while Mary Corbett and Amariah Huck tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Both teams shot under 37 percent for the game but Capital finished with a 56-29 rebounding advantage and made 29 of 34 from the free-throw line. Otterbein got to the line 17 times, making 11.

Jenna Irwin scored 16 points to lead four Capital players in double figures.

Otterbein returns to action next Saturday in its annual Smokey Ballenger Classic, playing Hiram College at 7 p.m.