WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Controlling the game from the opening tip, the Otterbein University women's basketball team used an early surge and consistent defensive pressure to defeat Ohio Northern, 65–43, Wednesday night inside the Rike Center. With the win, the Cardinals improved to 19–5 overall and 13–2 in OAC play.

Sophomore Mattie Walburn led all scorers with 18 points on 8-of-11 shooting. Junior Kyla Irby added 10 points off the bench, while freshman Cameron Sparks finished with nine points and five rebounds. Sophomore Kadence Conley chipped in eight points, knocking down two three-pointers.

Otterbein wasted no time setting the tone. A layup from sophomore Kiara Hudgins sparked an 8–0 run to open the contest, followed by two jumpers from Walburn and a pull-up from Irby. Ohio Northern did not get on the board until the 5:53 mark of the first quarter, but the Polar Bears slowly chipped away before the period closed at 13–8 in favor of the Cardinals.

The Cardinals extended the margin to 21–10 early in the second quarter, but Ohio Northern responded with consecutive baskets to trim the deficit to 21–19 with 5:27 remaining before halftime. Otterbein answered at the 5:02 mark when junior Abby Rawlings buried a three-pointer to push the lead back to five. The Cardinals continued to steady themselves at the line down the stretch before Irby knocked down a three-pointer with 41 seconds remaining to send Otterbein into the locker room ahead 29–19.

Otterbein came out of the break with purpose. At the 8:48 mark of the third quarter, Walburn converted a jumper and the ensuing free throw to complete a three-point play and stretch the lead to 32–19. Sparks followed with a jumper at 8:04 to make it 34–19, and the Cardinals continued to build separation from there. Otterbein outscored Ohio Northern 19–10 in the third quarter, entering the final period with a 48–29 advantage.

The Cardinals maintained control throughout the fourth, forcing 19 turnovers and turning those into 26 points. Otterbein's depth also proved key, finishing with 28 bench points in the 22-point victory.

Otterbein returns to the Rike Center on Saturday, Feb. 21 for Senior Day. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.