Box Score
GAMBIER, Ohio – The Kenyon women’s basketball team relied on 9-for-12 shooting from the free-throw line in overtime to outscore the Gators 13-5 in the extra period and post a 59-51 victory in North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) action on Saturday.
The Ladies (12-7, 5-5 NCAC) not only hit clutch free throws, but they also clamped down on defense in overtime holding the Gators (7-11, 4-4 NCAC) to just 1-for-10 from the field to collect the conference win and avenge a 55-46 loss in Meadville 14 days ago.
Kenyon had two players record double-doubles in the win. Morgan Korinek shot 83 percent from the floor (10-for-12) for a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds. Kathleen Williams registered 14 points and 10 boards.
Jill Gregory tallied a team-high 14 points. Emilie Simone added nine points. Shannon Culbreath had a third of Allegheny’s rebounds, matching a game high of 12.
The Gators erased a 12-point deficit over the same amount of minutes left in the second half and Culbreath drained a jumper with 28 seconds left to send Allegheny into its second overtime game this season.
Williams was able to convert a three-point play with a layup and free throw to start the five-minute period. Korinek followed with a free throw to take a 50-46 lead. From there, three different players went 2-for-2 from the charity stripe in the final 1:16 to put the Gators out of reach. Simone made the lone field goal for Allegheny with 27 seconds on the clock.
In the first half, the Gators held a steady lead until the 3:46 mark. Down 18-14, the Ladies went on a 14-2 run to close out the opening stanza to take a six-point lead at halftime (28-22).
With Kenyon holding a 40-28 lead, Allegheny began its comeback using an 11-0 run. Becca Bajkowski and Simone exchanged baskets before Brittany Bell knocked down consecutive three pointers to put the Gators within one at 40-39.
The Ladies stayed out front and went ahead 44-39 at the 6:58 mark. The teams combined for nine points over the remaining minutes. Simone score twice and Gregory’s free throw tied the game at 44-all.
Williams made the final field goal in regulation for Kenyon at 1:56 to make it 46-44, but Culbreath grabbed the offensive rebound off a Gregory’s jumper and put it back to knot it at 46-all with 28 seconds left. Simone had a chance for the game-winning jumper with five seconds showing, but could not get it to fall.
The Ladies held a 52-32 advantage on the glass, but committed 27 to Allegheny’s 19.
The Gators return to action on Tuesday against Hiram. Game time is 7:30 p.m.