WBB Can't Hold On vs. Westfield State

NEW LONDON, Conn. -- The Mitchell College women's basketball team came up just short on Tuesday night, dropping a non-conference game to Westfield State, 86-82 at the Yarnall Athletic Center. 

Senior Sam McKenna (Millbrook, N.Y.) led the Mariners with 23 points, while Amina Wiley (New Rochelle, N.Y.) continued her strong play, posting her fourth-double-double of the season with 21 points on 9-14 shooting to go along with a game-high 22 rebounds. Junior Yasmine Santos (Pawtucket, R.I.) joined Wiley with a double-double of her own, scoring a season-best 21 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Dede Stevenson (Hartford, Conn.) notched 11 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.

Battling a relentless press from the Owls, the Mariners controlled play early, building an 18-10lead after the first quarter and carrying a five-point advantage into halftime. Westfield State battled back and eventually took a two point, however McKenna nailed a three at the buzzer to end the third quarter and give Mitchell a one-point edge heading into the final frame.

McKenna then opened up the fourth quarter with a steal and a layup, but the Owls were quick to respond in this back and forth battle, regaining the lead just moments later. Down three with just over a minute remaining, Wiley was fouled on a made layup but missed the free throw which would have tied the game. Olivia Hadla answered with a three-pointer to push Westfield ahead by four with just 57 seconds on the clock.

Out of a timeout, Santos nailed a jump shot to cut the Mitchell deficit to 84-82, but the Owls picked up a critical steal and were able to hang for victory.

Hadla scored a game-high 24 points for Westfield State in the win, while Jordan Grant poured in 20, Maddie Pond added 12, and Octaviana had 10 points.

The Mariners (3-4) will look to stop their two-game skid on Saturday, December 10^th, when they play at Brown University. Westfield State (6-4) travels to Western New England on Saturday, December 10th, for a noon tip.