COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Capital University women's basketball team welcomed Wilmington to town on Wednesday evening, kicking off their new year with a matchup against the Quakers. This game would come down to the wire, however, a last ditch effort to tie by the Comets rolled off the rim and eventually led to a five point victory for Wilmington, 61-56.

HOW IT HAPPENED
The game got off to a chaotic start shortly after the tip with both teams trading turnovers and neither being able to find the bottom of the basket. A back and forth quarter would turn in favor of the Quakers about halfway through as they got out to an eight-point lead. The Comets' (3-10, 0-5 OAC) slow starting offense sputtered to life in the second quarter, led by freshman guard Maddi Weiland who had six points in the period. Capital would shoot 67% and match Wilmington at 19 points a piece for the quarter, keeping the game within reach.

In the second half the Comets began to pour on the pressure. Short and quick scoring runs would bring Capital within as few as two points, however, the Quakers (6-6, 2-3) always found an answer and ended up adding to their lead in the end. 

The final period saw Capital's offense find their stride and finally able to make a significant cut into the deficit, drawing within three with less than a minute left. Drawing up one final play, the Comets were able to get a good look from three, but it was slightly off-target and fell into the hands of a Wilmington rebounder who was immediately fouled, finally pushing the game out of reach at a five-point deficit with one second left. The final buzzer rang with the scoreboard showing 61-56 in favor of Wilmington.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Wilmington cleaned the glass, out-rebounding the Comets by a 37-22 margin. Even more impressive was the Quakers' ability to rebound on the offensive end of the floor. Wilmington had a staggering 19 offensive boards to help control the tempo of the play, especially when it mattered. 

Despite a woeful 22% shooting in the first quarter, Capital improved their shot selection and began to convert in the final three stanzas to close the game with a 44.4 field goal percentage. 

Brooke Ommert led the team in scoring with 14 points on a fairly efficient 5-of-8 from the field. She added four boards, two blocks and three steals to round out her performance. 

Maddi Weiland ended the game with a new career-best 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting. 

Nicole Flock led the team in rebounds with five and assists with three. 

THE OPPONENT
Wilmington had a pair of 11-point scorers in the form of Mackenzie Campbell and Kennedy Lewis. Zahrya Bailey and Haley Cook each had a game-high eight rebounds. Lewis also dished a game-best six assists. 

UP NEXT
Capital will head to Mount Union on Saturday afternoon for their next contest. Tip-off in Alliance is scheduled for 2 p.m.