SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio – The West Virginia Wesleyan (1-6, 0-6) women's basketball team was defeated in a MEC matchup versus Notre Dame (Ohio) (2-7, 2-4) on Saturday (Dec. 10) afternoon in the Murphy Gymnasium. 

WVWC Leaders

Emma Witt led the Bobcats this afternoon with 20 points and brought down seven rebounds. M'laya Ainsworth contributed with 16 points and nine rebounds. Courtney Wilfong scored 13 points and passed three assists. 

Inside the First Half

The Bobcats started the game with a 11-9 lead. A layup from Alani Murray and two Ainsworth  three-pointers extended WVWC's lead of the game 19-11. The Notre Dame (Ohio) Falcons responded with two free throws right after and narrowed the gap. The Bobcats ended the first quarter 19-13. 

The Falcons found a rhythm to begin the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 19-17 before Ainsworth, Wilfong, and Witt combined nine points and WVWC led 28-22. The Falcons would once again find themselves bringing the gap down to a 2 point game after Murray was able to contribute two more points to end the half. The Bobcats entered the half leading 30-27.

Inside the Second Half

After a three pointer from Daveona Hatchell, the Falcons were able to respond and narrow the game to a two point game, 33-31. Both teams would find themselves exchanging possession for a few minutes until Ainsworth and Witt were able to get the Bobcats going again. The Falcons responded when Alana Ellis was able to combine a few layups and free throws to end the quarter at 43-41 in favor of the Bobcats. 

Both teams matched intensity to begin the fourth quarter. Each team would find themselves scoring in almost every possession. Witt would get the Bobcats going with a few layups combining for five points alone in the quarter. Shelby Genes would contribute with a crucial three pointer while Wilfong was able to make big time plays as well. The Falcons would find themselves making big time plays as well and ultimately tied the game in the dying seconds of the quarter. Ellis made a three pointer with 0.3 seconds left in the game which tied the game 61-61 and took the game to overtime.

Inside Overtime

Ellis was able to start the lead for the Falcons and was also able to contribute eight points in overtime. The Bobcats struggled to get something going. Witt would be the only contributor of extended time with four points. The Bobcats fell 65-75. 

Up Next

The Bobcats will travel to Bluefield, W.Va. Thursday (Dec. 15) to take on Bluefield State in a non-conference matchup at 4 p.m.