COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Capital University women's basketball team hosted No. 12 Ohio Wesleyan on Monday night in what would go down as a game for the ages between undefeated 7-0 teams. OWU would control the lead for most of the game, but Bri O'Connor and Jenna Horsley came up clutch when Capital needed it most, sinking a string of back-to-back-to-back three pointers as part of a game-winning 10-0 run in the final two minutes for the Comets. 

Staying undefeated at 8-0 (3-0 OAC) with the upset win, Capital has officially matched their best start since going 8-0 in 2005-06. The Comets now set their eyes on the 10-0 benchmark set the season prior in 2004-05.

Ohio Wesleyan is handed their first loss of the year, dropping to 7-1 (1-0 NCAC) on the season.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams started the first quarter playing lock-down defense, with the Battling Bishops deciding to press early. After a few back-and-forth buckets, Capital was able to take a six-point lead with a pair of tough three-pointers from Jenna Horsely and Bri O'Connor. Ohio Wesleyan found their stride, making three of their own from beyond the arc to take a 16-13 lead going into the first break.

OWU managed to maintain their momentum to start the second quarter. Despite a strong defensive effort from Capital, the Bishops were relentless on the offensive boards, allowing them to find points. The Comets scored some buckets of their own, keeping pace with OWU until a handful of Capital turnovers led to scores on the other end. The Battling Bishops separated themselves, going on a 9-0 run. The Comets managed to break the streak, but OWU continued to score, going into the half up 39-25.

The Purple and White would make some adjustments at halftime, and in the third quarter, were able to find the bottom of the net at a higher rate. A few big stops coupled with a pair of smooth threes from Horsely closed the gap for Capital, making the score 49-42 with 4:05 left in the quarter that ultimately ended 51-44.

By the fourth quarter, the energy in the gym was palpable. Despite being down by as many as 14 points, the Comets found themselves trailing by just five to kick off the quarter. Capital's defense ramped up for the final 10 minutes, forcing turnover after turnover. Laney Murphy hit a huge three early in the period to bring the Comets within four. OWU answered, extending their lead to seven. Just as the game looked like it was slipping away, O'Connor lit up the gym, hitting a massive three pointer to bring it back within reach. Not long after, she hit back-to-back step-back three-pointers to tie the game; scoring six points in just 33 seconds. After yet another defensive stop, Horsley hit a dagger to put Capital up by three and sent the Cap Center into mayhem. Samaree Perkins put the final dagger in it by sinking a free throw to make it a two-possession game, finalizing the 10-0 run in the final 2:13. With just seconds remaining, OWU was unable to respond, resulting in a massive 62-58 win for the Comets. 

THE NUMBERS
Bri O'Connor scored a game-high 26 points, sinking four three-pointers, and coming with seven steals in the defensive end, as well as three rebounds and one assist.

Jenna Horsley came up big with 15 points, tying her career-high. She set a new career-high for three-pointers made with five, going 5-of-9. Lastly, she accounted for one rebound.

Samaree Perkins pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds, also scoring nine points with two assists, two blocks, and one steal.

Kya Jordan doubled her career-high for assists with eight in the game to lead the team. Additionally, she had three rebounds and one steal.

Laney Murphy scored nine points with two rebounds. 

Maddi Weiland would finish with three points and three rebounds, as well as one block.

UP NEXT
The Comets will take a break for the holidays before heading off to Greencastle, Indiana for the Amy Hasbrook Memorial Tournament hosted by DePauw. There they will take on the Milwaukee School of Engineering on December 29th, followed by a game with either Adrian or DePauw on the 30th. That first game against MSOE is set to tip off at 4:00 p.m.