(STAUNTON, Va.) – The Wilson women's basketball team will head into the winter break on a winning streak as it defeated Mary Baldwin on Saturday afternoon. The Phoenix led start to finish against the Fighting Squirrels, but it was anything but easy as hosts kept it a two-possession game for a majority of the contest.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 63, Mary Baldwin 57
Venue: MBU Physical Activity Center
Records: Wilson 4-6, 3-1 United East; Mary Baldwin 2-8, 1-3 USA South
How It Happened
- A fast Phoenix start was pivotal for Wilson as this was a close contest throughout the afternoon. Lae Black (So., Laurel, Md. / Meade) started off the game with a layup that was followed by Laela Robinson (So., Lancaster, Pa. / Conestoga Valley) hitting a 3-pointer, a layup by Adrianna Stricek (So., Harrisburg, Pa. / Trinity), and a pair of Black free throws for a quick 9-2 lead in the first four minutes. MBU didn't go away quietly and kept it close, eventually cutting the Wilson lead down to three at 17-14 at the end of the first.
- That lead went down to one after the Squirrels' Codie Heilig downed a jumper in the paint to open the second period, but Wilson was able to stay composed. The two teams exchanged the next two buckets before the Phoenix pushed the lead back up the seven with a Jewels Torres (SO., York, Pa. / West York) 3-pointer and a Robinson Layup. Mary Baldwin rallied late in the quarter and had an opportunity to tie the game headed into the halftime break, but missed the front end of a pair of free throws to allow Wilson to have a 31-30 lead.
- Wilson came out on fire to start the second half as it made five of its first six shots to get its largest lead of the game. While the first attempt was missed, an offensive rebound and put-back by Stricek lit the fuse. Although the Squirrels made their first two attempts, the next four were missed. Those fused with a Robinson steal that transitioned into a layup allowed Wilson to go up 43-34.
- As it would happen, Wilson's largest run of the game was immediately followed by Mary Baldwin's. Thankfully for the Phoenix it was of a 6-0 variety and Wilson was able to remain in front and took a 52-47 lead into the fourth.
- Both teams defenses stepped up in the fourth quarter as it was the lowest scoring frame for both teams. The Phoenix shot just 27.3% (3-of-11), but they limited the Squirrels to just 20% (4-of-20) in the final 10 minutes. Wilson was able to go back up by nine as a result and never let MBU get within five the rest of the way.
Inside The Numbers
- Robinson had not only had the best game of the season, but also the best of her career as she finished with a new personal best of 19 points. It was the first time she scored in double figures this season as she went 8-for-13 from the field, including a 3-for-5 clip behind the arc.
- Stricek was back in form as she recorded her fifth double double on the season on 12 points and 13 rebounds. Four of them have come in the last six games.
- Torres remained consistent as she hit double figures for the third-straight game with 10 points. She was busy around the court as she added five rebounds, four assists, and two steals to her stat line.
- Black equaled Torres in the point total and pulled down seven rebounds.
For Mary Baldwin
- The Squirrels also featured a quartet of double-figure scorers led by Aryauna Brent whith 14 points. Gianna Gilmore secured a double double with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Up Next
The Phoenix will be off for finals and return to action between Christmas and New Year's Day for a non-conference showdown with Lynchburg in Virginia. Tip-off with the Hornets is set for 2 p.m. on Friday, December 29.
