COLUMBUS, Ohio - Capital women's basketball hosted the nationally ranked Baldwin Wallace Yellow Jackets in an OAC matchup today. The Yellow Jackets are ranked #12 in the D3hoops.com poll, and #11 in the WBCA poll. Both teams played extremely well, trading blows the entire game. The Comets were able to take Baldwin Wallace to overtime, where they would fall just short in a 75-69 loss.

The loss sets Capital's record at 17-4 overall and 11-3 in OAC conference play. Following the win, Baldwin Wallace is now 20-1 overall and 14-0 in OAC conference play.

Today's game also served as the annual #Play4Kay game raising awareness for breast cancer research and also fundraising for the cause. The program sold t-shirts and collected donations at the game to raise funds. If you missed out on an opportunity to support, please click here. 

The first quarter in Columbus was an absolute shootout, with the Comets getting hot early and Baldwin Wallace finding their footing as the game progressed. Baldwin Wallace struck first, but the Purple and White quickly answered with a pair of three-pointers from Bri O'Connor and Samaree Perkins. Both teams put forth an incredible defensive effort, making it difficult for the other to score. A few hard-fought buckets later, and Capital was going into the second quarter with a 13-12 lead.

Baldwin Wallace started the second quarter off strong, breaking through the Comet defense to score some early points. They were able to carry this momentum for a short time, going on a 9-0 run and forcing a Capital timeout. After some adjustments, the Comets were able to get right back in the mix. Some stops led to points, and with the clock winding down, Bri O'Connor hit a huge step-back three to cut the Baldwin Wallace lead to just one. The Purple and White would go into the half down 31-30 with some momentum on their side.

Capital got the ball to start the second half, hoping to carry some of their late first-half momentum with them. The Comet's defense was suffocating, forcing turnovers and missed shots. Just when it seems like the Yellow Jackets are going to pull away, Capital reigns it back in and closes the gap. Finally, with 1:39 left in the third quarter, Bri O'Connor finishes at the rim and is fouled. She converted the and-1, giving the Comets the lead back for the first time since the first quarter. Baldwin Wallace struck back, and was able to go into the fourth with a 47-45 lead.

The Yellow Jackets started the fourth quarter off on a 5-0 run, forcing another Capital timeout. The Comets responded once again and were able to tie the game after Kendall Spreen drilled a three ball with ice in her veins. With both teams trading baskets, the game came down to the wire. Baldwin Wallace found themselves at the line with 18 seconds left. On the first shot, the ball miraculously got stuck on the rim, leading to a miss. The second one was good, giving Baldwin Wallace a 63-61 lead. With 2.9 seconds left in the game, Bri O'Connor got fouled on the way to the cup, leading to two free throws. The entire arena held their breath, then breathed a sigh of relief as she drained the first one. With the game on the line, Bri sank the second to send the game into overtime. 

Despite a solid defensive effort from the Comets in overtime, Baldwin Wallace was able to do just enough to score. Although Capital kept it close, the Yellow Jackets were able to close out the game. The final score after one overtime was 75-69, Baldwin Wallace on top.

THE NUMBERS
Bri O'Connor led the Comets in scoring with an astounding 29 points and a perfect 13-13 from the free throw line. She had a strong defensive impact as well, leading the team in steals with five.

Samaree Perkins finished the game with a double-double, scoring an impressive 27 points and leading Capital in rebounds with 13. The 27 points matched her career-high set vs. Heidelberg earlier this season. She made her defensive presence known, garnering two blocks and three steals.

Kendall Spreen was an efficient 2-of-2 from three, scoring six points to contribute to the Comet's offensive effort.

Maddi Weiland shared the ball well, leading the team in assists with four.

UP NEXT
Capital women's basketball is set to host the Marietta Pioneers on Wednesday, February 12 at 7:00 pm in their second matchup of the season.