COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University women's basketball team (4-2, 1-0 OAC) welcomed Otterbein (2-4, 1-1 OAC) to the south side of Columbus on Saturday evening for the first of two ever-important rivalry games. The Comets claimed the lead about midway through the first quarter and would never surrender it despite the contest always being close. It all came down to some stout defense in the final seconds as CU shut down the Cardinals' comeback chances, 53-50. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
There was little difference to be found between the two squads in the early going. What little separation there was lay with Otterbein, up 8-4 at the 6:51 mark. Capital then flipped the script, taking advantage of team play and a combined effort to battle back to close out the quarter on top – but not by much – 14-13. 

The same could be said about CU's style of play the following two quarters. No one had the "hot hand" or was the "go-to scorer". The Comets spread the ball around and took advantage of the open looks that came about to increase their lead by three in the second, and three in the third, to head into the final frame up 39-32. 

Defense would come into play in waning minutes as Ottebein slowly bit into the deficit and got to within four points with only 30 seconds to play. Samaree Perkins would put Capital up 51-44 at the free throw line following a series where she went 1-for-2, got the rebound of her missed second free throw and was fouled again, going 2-for-2 this time. On the other end, Otterbein would be fouled on a three-point shot and make all three free throws. After fouling the Comets on the ensuing inbound, the Cardinals would get the ball back after two missed free throws, sinking a three in transition to make it a one-point game. CU would be sent to the line again on the inbound, this time it was Laney Murphy making both shots to take Cap's lead back to three. Capital would step up to shut down Otterbein's final attempts to tie, not even letting them get a shot off before the buzzer. And so it ended in the Comets' favor, 53-50.

THE NUMBERS
Samaree Perkins and Laney Murphy would lead the squad with 12 points each. Perkins also pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds and accounted for one assist. Murphy made up four rebounds and one steal. 

Demi Brewer dropped 11 points with three rebounds, three steals, two assists, and one block. 

Bri O'Connor came away with 10 points, seven rounds, six assists, and three steals. 

Maddi Weiland had five points with three steals and two rebounds.

Jenna Horsley scored three points and pulled down one rebound.

UP NEXT
Capital will stay home for their next contest as they welcome Marietta to The Capital Center on Wednesday, December 6th for a 7 p.m. contest. The Pioneers have seen time in the "receiving votes" section of the national rankings already this season.