COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Capital University women's basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of the Otterbein University Cardinals on Saturday, losing in overtime 63-65.
It was a close one from the onset, as the Cardinals from across town traveled to the Capital Center for a 2 p.m. tip. A back-and-forth first quarter had the teams nearly square at the sounding of the first buzzer, Capital holding a slight three point lead, 16-13. Momentum swung in favor of the Comets in the second period. A well-timed seven point run would propel Capital to a 28-22 lead going into the half.
The second half started slow for the Comets, as Otterbein was able to throw together short runs to quell the Comet lead. It was then that the back-and-forth basketball began once again, the two teams trading points on the way to a one point Capital lead at the end of the third quarter, 40-39. The fourth quarter came with more of the same. One team would pull ahead then the other would come roaring back to tie the game. 40 minutes was not enough to separate these two, and the fourth quarter buzzer sounded with the score locked at 54.
The next five minutes were the most intense of the game. They were filled with fast-breaks, fouls, and high-pressure free throws. With a minute left, the scoreboard read 65-63 in favor of the visitors. The Comets got the ball back with 13 seconds remaining following a clutch defensive rebound from
Erika Linder from a missed Cardinal three. As the clock was counting down, the Comets broke out into their offense. Linder was able to find space to drive the lane and put up a tough contested left-handed layup.
However, the ball would roll in and out of the basket and fall to the floor as the final buzzer rang, with the score reading 65-63 in favor of Otterbein.
Capital was led by
Erika Linder who netted her second straight 20-point game. Linder entered the season having never scored 20 points and now has back-to-back 20-points games in just her third game of the season.
Brooke Ommert scored 12 points for Capital and also added six rebounds and three assists.
Nicole Flock scooped up 11 points for the Comets, adding four rebounds as well.
Maddie Dougoud led Cap defensively with eight rebounds and two blocks.
Otterbein was paced by Bryn Mangold's 19 points and Jenna Hoschoer's 11 rebounds.
The Capital women look to bounce back next Wednesday as they continue their OAC schedule in New Concord, Ohio, taking on the Muskies of Muskingum University. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST!
