COLUMBUS, Ohio – The third-seeded Capital University women's basketball team knocked off sixth-seeded Mount Union in the first round of the OAC tournament in a back-and-forth matchup on Tuesday night. The Comets were led by their consistent defense and ability to play at the rim throughout the contest, finishing with a 63-54 win. 

The home victory propels the Comets to an overall record of 19-7 and 13-5 in the OAC. The loss sends Mount Union home, ending their season with an overall record of 10-16 and a conference record of 7-11. The Comets will now travel to Marietta to face off against the second-seeded Pioneers.

HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams came out to a rough start offensively, struggling to make contested shots through tough defense. Despite a slow start, shots started falling for both teams as they took turns attacking the rim. Each possession was grueling, coming down to the shot clock nearly every time. The Comet's duo of Bri O'Connor and Samaree Perkins led the team's offensive efforts in the first half, scoring a combined 14 of the team's 25 points . A Capital foul at the halftime buzzer gave the Purple Raiders a chance at three free throws, allowing them to take the lead going into the half with a score of 28-25.

After an exciting first half, the second half didn't disappoint. Mount Union started the second half off strong, but the Comets weren't ready to lay down. A pair of and-ones along with some other baskets allowed the Comets to take the lead, giving them a boost of energy and allowing them to go into the fourth quarter up by 10. The fight continued into the final 10 minutes, seeming as if as soon as one team had an advantage, it was taken away. Capital managed to gain the momentum with a huge step-back three from O'Connor that forced a Purple Raider timeout with 4:20 left in the contest. The Comets were able to ride this wave of momentum to the end, the final buzzer ringing home a 63-54 Comet victory.

THE NUMBERS
Bri O'Connor had a dominant all-around performance, leading the Comets in points (22), assists (3), and steals (5).

Samaree Perkins was able to get it done around the rim with a 16 point and 13 rebound double-double.

Demi Brewer and Laney Murphy each had 7 points.

Perkins and Maddi Weiland each had a block for the Comets.

UP NEXT
The Comets will travel to Marietta on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7:00 pm to take on the two seed Pioneers in the semifinals of the OAC Tournament. Capital hopes to take their revenge for a pair of regular season losses and punch their ticket to the conference championship game.