Strong Finish Pushes Westfield State Past WBB
WESTFIELD, Mass. – The Westfield State University women's basketball team picked up an 84-63 win over Mitchell College on a Saturday afternoon at the Woodward Center.
Amina Wiley finished with a game-high 23 points to pace the Mariners (4-3 overall). Dede Stevenson compiled 14 points, six assists and five rebounds while burying four of eight triples. Le'Sandra Turner scored only two points but contributed 11 rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
Westfield State fell behind by double digits in the first quarter until the defensive intensity picked up, starting with a pair of steals and layups by Melissa Gray and Lila Labrie to cut the deficit to four. In the second period, the Owls held the Mariners to just eight points by forcing 11 turnovers and holding the visitors to 17-percent shooting from the floor. As a result, Westfield State headed into the break with a 35-27 lead.
After a closely contested third quarter, the Owls dominated the fourth, beginning with a 14-2 run to outscore the Mariners 30-14. Gray poured in 10 of her 17 points in frame, which extended the lead to 21 points late in the game. She also contributed eight rebounds and five assists in the contest. Labrie added 12 points while Paris Wilkey was the third Owl player in double digits with 10. Jenn Rennich disrupted the offensive flow of the Mariners, finishing with a team-high six steals.
Westfield State feasted off turnovers (43) and doubled the Mariners up in points off turnovers (36-18). The Owls also converted frequently on the fast break, out-pacing Mitchell 33-12.
Chelsea Marcano and Alexia Watson chipped in 12 points apiece and combined for 13 rebounds. Marcano, who made her first career start, also added three swipes.
Mitchell will next play at the University of Saint Joseph on Tuesday, December 7 at 7 p.m.