COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Capital University women's basketball team stormed back from a 21-point halftime deficit and road the waves of Samaree Perkins through the fourth quarter and overtime to stun Muskingum, 68-66 on Wednesday evening. 

The Comets move ahead to 17-7 overall and 12-5 in the conference with the win. The result also cements the Comets spot in the top-four of the conference, thus setting up a home OAC Tournament game next Tuesday evening. Muskingum on the other hand falls to 10-14 on the year and 5-12 in the OAC. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Comets found themselves in an unfamiliar hole by the end of the first quarter as the visiting Muskies led 16-9 by the end of the first 10 minutes. Capital did not see the basket very well across the first period as they converted just 40% of their shots overall and none of their 3-point attempts. Additionally, the seven point difference in the game score proved to be the difference in points off turnovers in the first quarter as Muskingum took advantage of the Comet miscues. Toward the end of the frame, Demi Brewer hit a running jumper to give Cap a breath of fresh air heading to the first intermission. 

Unfortunately for Capital, the quick bit of momentum at the end of the first frame did not translate to the second quarter as the Muskies opened up the game, taking a 33-12 lead into the halftime locker room. 

Out of the half, Capital started to see the hoop better, getting some nice made baskets from Bri O'Connor, Demi Brewer and Samaree Perkins to get them going. That momentum continued throughout the quarter as Capital ended up trimming the 21-point halftime deficit to just seven by the end of the third. Capping off the hot frame for Capital was a 3-pointer from Maddi Weiland right at the buzzer to make the score 44-37 still in favor of the Muskies. 

In the fourth frame, the Comets did not give up the fight and eventually leveled the score 55-55 with 2:59 left thanks to another Weiland 3-pointer. Yet again, the tide shifted as the Muskies got back into it, but Capital eventually tied it back up at 59-59 before the final horn. Samaree Perkins converted a tough and-one play to secure the tied score sending the game to overtime. 

In the extra stanza, Capital went behind to start after a Muskie trey, but Perkins again influenced the game, scoring six straight points to give the Comets their first lead of the game with 3:05 left in the game. Her two free throws and a layup then put Cap ahead 67-62 with 1:07 remaining. A free throw from Bri O'Connor was just enough to seal the win for Cap, 68-66 as Perkins blocked Claudia Harrington's desperation layup as time expired. 

THE NUMBERS
Perkins ended the game with a career-high tying 22 points on an efficient 7-for-11 shooting and a perfect 7-of-7 from the charity stripe. To make her scoring more impressive, Perkins scored 11 straight points through the end of regulation and into overtime to put the Comets over the hump in the monster comeback win. To support the scoring, Perkins finished with 10 rebounds, a block and a steal.  The 22-point, 10-rebound double-double marked her 12th of the year. 

Bri O'Connor was next in scoring, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals. Dating back to her time at Tiffin as a freshman, O'Connor now stands at 982 career points – 816 of which have come at Capital. 

Demi Brewer also reached double-digits with 11 points to go with four rebounds, five assists and a steal. 

Maddi Weiland and Laney Murphy each scored nine points as well, while Kendall Spreen added three points off the bench. 

#PLAY4KAY GAME
Tonight, the Comets hosted their annual #Play4Kay game which raises funds and awareness toward the fight against all cancers affecting women. Throughout the night, Capital wore pink jerseys, sold t-shirts, and conducted a 50-50 raffle with all proceeds directly benefiting the Kay Yow Foundation. 

The vision of Play4Kay came directly from Coach Kay Yow. Through Play4Kay, she saw a way to bring communities together and honor cancer warriors in the fight against ALL cancers affecting women.  As Play4Kay evolved, the mechanisms for fundraising have expanded and so have the initiatives. Schools nationwide are finding ways to "Play4Kay" on and off the basketball court.

*Courtesy of kayyow.com/play4kay*

UP NEXT
Capital will conclude the regular season with a home senior day match-up on Saturday, February 17th as they host John Carroll. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. with seniors Sydney Bourquin, Katie Burke, and Maddie Dougoud being honored prior to tipoff. 

Additionally, on Saturday, fans attending the game can gain free admission in exchange for the donation of two gently used or new children's books directly benefiting the Second and Seven Foundation and Columbus Kids Book Bank. More information can be found here.