PHOTO GALLERY

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – A late push by the Otterbein women's basketball team came up just short Saturday night against Mount Union, as the Cardinals dropped a 79-73 contest at home in the weekend rematch.

The Cardinals, now 3-3 on the season, delivered a strong fourth quarter to nearly erase a double-digit deficit. Nevertheless, Mount Union complets the sweep after Friday's 86-76 triumph in Alliance.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Raiders held a 16-9 lead towards the end of the opening quarter, but Otterbein kicked into gear and closed the frame on a decisive 10-0 run. Freshman Katie McCrary had four of those points while a pair of steals from classmate Tamia Kendrick helped ignite the surge.
   
• Mount Union flipped the script in the second period by erupting for 25 points, connecting on five shots from long range and grabbing a 41-34 lead at the midway point.
   
• The fast pace continued after intermission. Otterbein trimmed the deficit to just 55-52, but Mount responded with a critical 12-2 run to culminate the third quarter.
   
• Mount led by 12 points with 3:21 remaining but the Cards didn't go quietly. An 8-0 run that featured a layup from Jenna Hoschouer, multiple Raider turnovers and six Otterbein free throws brought the score to just 77-73 in the closing minute.
   
• Otterbein got a defensive stop, but missed a three-point attempt and was forced to foul.
   

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:

• Mount Union was anything but bashful from behind the arc, going 13 of 34 compared to Otterbein at 6 of 17.
   
• Five Cardinals scored between 10-13 points, led by senior Angelia Jackson on 5-of-12 shooting.
   
• Elena Rauhe spearheaded the visitors with a game-high 28 points on 23 shots. She added six boards and four assists.
   
• The Raiders held a 27-16 edge in fast-break scoring after holding a 31-10 advantage in the category on Friday night.
   

COACHES VS. CANCER

• Otterbein is taking part in the annual fundraising initiative once again to help benefit the American Cancer Society. The team has already surpassed its goal of $1,000 and is looking to push on. LEARN MORE HERE.

 
UP NEXT:
Otterbein will begin preparing for another home-and-home series next weekend, hosting Muskingum inside the Rike come Friday and then traveling over to New Concord the following evening.