MARIETTA, Ohio- Otterbein suffered another close loss Wednesday night, this time on the road at Marietta. The Cardinals led the majority of the game but were unable to hold off a late Pioneer rally, falling 63-60.
The loss drops the Cards to 10-8 overall, and 5-6 within Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) action. Marietta grabs the victory to even its season record to 9-9 overall, and 5-6 during OAC action.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Otterbein took an early lead on the host Pioneers, pulling ahead 13-12 at the end of the first quarter after a buzzer beater layup from Jenna Hoschouer.
- In the second quarter Otterbein continued to build upon the lead, taking a seven point advantage in the locker room, 35-28.
- Hoschouer along with Hailey Bauer each scored 11 points in the first 20 minutes of action, Bauer went a perfect 3-3 from long range.
- The Cards led by 15 with 5:31 showing on the third quarter clock, but Marietta battled back, trailing by just six after 30 minutes.
- In the final quarter Otterbein led the entire way until the 3:08 mark, when Marietta jumped out ahead 59-57 following a layup from Bailee Brooks.
- The Cardinals failed to regain the lead down the stretch, and the Pioneers escaped victorious after knocking down free throws.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- This is the fourth consecutive game the Cards have played in that was decided by three or less points.
- Hoschouer led all scorers on the evening with 16 points, while Bauer finished with 14. Abbie Scholz and Peyton McCord each chipped in 9 points.
- Marietta saw three players score in double figures, Alexis Enochs paced the Pioneer attack with 16 points, Marlo Taylor added 12 and Brooks scored 10.
- The Cardinals have played five games this season that have been decided by four or less points, with the Otterbein defense holding its opponents to under 70 four times.
UP NEXT:
- Otterbein will travel to Capital on Saturday for a 5 p.m. tip-off in Bexley.
