(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The Wilson women's basketball team capped the regular season off on a high note as it defeated Notre Dame on Wednesday evening. As a result, the Phoenix secured a home game in the first round of the Unite East Championship which starts on Saturday. Wilson will go in as the fourth seed, while the Gators will be the top seed in the Skye Division.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 63, Notre Dame 53
Venue: Gannett Field House
Records: Wilson 13-12, 12-6 Skye; Notre Dame 19-6, 16-2
How It Happened
- It was evident that the Phoenix came to play from the get-go as they stuck around the Gators despite the visitors' full court press forcing multiple early turnovers. Jewels Torres (So., York, Pa. / West York) hit a jumper just inside the two-minute mark to tie the game at 11, but it was the Gators that got the last word in the opening frame with a layup and 3-pointer to take a five-point lead into the second. Notre Dame attempted to build upon that advantage and went up by as many as nine, but another Torres bucket and a long-range deuce from Yaya Cannon (Sr., Lancaster, Pa. / Lancaster Catholic) kept the Blue and White within striking distance at the half down 30-25.
- After the halftime adjustments were made, Wilson was able to flip the script and take charge early in the third. A quick 3-pointer by Laela Robinson (So., Lancaster, Pa. / Conestoga Valley) on an assist from Torres followed by a layup from Adrianna Stricek (So., Harrisburg, Pa. / Trinity) quickly tied the game less than a minute into the half. The Phoenix were just starting to head up as both Robinson and Torres followed with treys. The Blue and White then capped what ended up being a 17-0 run on a layup from Stricek on a dish from Torres for a 38-30 lead. The Gators refused to go away quietly, however, and closed the deficit back down to three heading to the fourth.
- A minute into the fourth Notre Dame was still down three before a Torres Jumper and another triple by Robinson give the Phoenix some more breathing room. After the Gators missed on their return trip, Cannon converted on a transition layup to put the Phoenix up 54-44. Wilson was able to keep control in its corner and went up by as many as 13 after a pair of Cannon free throws with 3:41 to go in the contest.
Inside The Numbers
- Torres continues to burn the nets down as she finished with a game-high 21 points after going 7-of-14 from the field and 6-of-6 at the free throw line. She has now scored in double-figures in eight-straight contests and 12 of the last 13.
- Stricek had another incredible game as she recorded her conference-best 13th double double, No. 18 in Division III, on 13 points and 19 rebounds. It matches a season-best set against Keystone at home on December 2.
- Stricek's work on the glass helped the Phoenix control the boards by a 40-37 count.
- Defensively the Phoenx excelled as well as Stricek made three steals.
- It's the second consecutive season Wilson has beat Notre Dame at home.
- The defeat is just the second for the Gators in the Skye Division.
For The Gators
- The Gatos were paced by Hillary Howard and Amya Durham. Howard led the team with 15 points and six rebounds, while Durham added 14 and seven.
Up Next
With the seedings now set, Wilson will now host fifth-seeded Cairn on Saturday afternoon. A start time will be determined on Friday.
