CLARION, Pa. – With the game tied up with five minutes left to go in regulation, the Wilmington University women's basketball team could not hold on, as Clarion pulled away to secure the 72-65 win at the Student Rec Center on Saturday.
The Wildcats (0-5) got out to a fast start over the Golden Eagles (4-0) in the first quarter scoring 24 points to Clarion's 18. Wilmington would not score until four minutes into the second quarter on a layup by Jadyn Whitsitt, and would only score six more points in the quarter to give the Wildcats a two point lead into halftime, with a score of 32-30.
Kiara Eubanks got the Wildcats on the board first in the second half, hitting two back-to-back jumpers, before Jaelyn Durrett knocked down a three-pointer to give WilmU a 39-35 lead. For 3:28 the Wildcats could not connect on any opportunities, for Clarion to take advantage and take their first lead of the game, 44-43. Eubanks would tie the game back up at 47-47, but two made free throws from Clarion would end the third quarter 49-47 in favor of the Golden Eagles.
A trey ball from Macy Robinson and Jaelyn Durrett would tie the game back up at 53-53 with 7:05 left to go to keep Clarion's lead from getting away. But the Wildcats could only tie it up one more time with 5:36 left in regulation, before Clarion could pull away. Another three from Jaelyn Durrett would put the Wildcats within three of the Golden Eagles, 65-62 lead with 2:53 to go, but Wilmington could not score after Clarion's two made free throws and back-to-back jumpers, to fall behind.
Kadijah Dickson led all scorers with 23 points for Lock Haven, as Jordan Bekelja added 18 points for the Golden Eagles. Despite out rebounding Clarion, 41-37, the Wildcats only shot 34.4 percent from the floor to Clarion's 40.7 percent.
The Wildcats were led by freshman Jaelyn Durrett who had 10 points and three assists and Nyree Grant who recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds, while going 4-4 from the line. Tanasia Miles and Jadyn Whitsitt both added nine, while Macy Robinson chipped in eight points and dished out six assists.
The Wildcats look to get on the winning track as they travel to Lock Haven on Tuesday in another PSAC non-conference matchup with the Bald Eagles. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.