Related Links:
Box Score

WILMINGTON, Ohio – The Capital University women's basketball team overcame a sluggish first half on the road to eventually force overtime Wednesday before falling 76-68 at Wilmington in an Ohio Athletic Conference contest.

Capital never led in overtime and was outscored 16-8 in the extra period. Junior forward Jamie Caton (Hilliard, Ohio; at right), who fouled out in regulation, led the Crusaders with 16 points. Senior forward Stacy Timmerman (New Bremen, Ohio) added 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while sophomore guard Shelby Sheets (Fayetteville, Ohio) contributed with 12 points, including an 8-of-10 performance at the free throw line.

After trailing 36-21 at the half, the Crusaders (7-3 overall, 3-1 OAC) mounted a strong comeback effort starting midway through the second half, slowly whittling down a 51-37 deficit to a tie game at 56-56 with 2:50 to play on a one-handed banker in the lane by freshman guard Simonne Gage (Dayton, Ohio).

After the Quakers (7-4, 3-1) made 1-of-2 at the line on the other end, Capital grabbed an offensive rebound off a missed free throw and took a 58-57 lead at the 2:04 mark on a lay-up by Sheets.

After exchanging empty possessions, Wilmington took a 59-58 advantage just under the one-minute mark of the affair. Timmerman gave the Crusaders the lead with a pair of free throws on the other end before Wilmington tied it on a free throw with 13 seconds to play.

The Quakers had a good look at the other end for the win, but the shot was off the back rim and no good, sending the contest into overtime.

Capital shot just 25 percent (7-of-28) in the first period, while the Quakers (7-4, 3-1) knocked down five 3-pointers and 11 free throws to offset 14 turnovers committed in the half.

For the game, Wilmington held a 56-41 advantage in rebounding and made 26 free throws compared to 17 for the Crusaders. Capital forced 27 turnovers in the game.

The Crusaders return to action this Saturday against defending OAC champion and second-ranked Mount Union. Tip-off is slated for 3 p.m. at the Capital Center.