BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Wesleyan's women's basketball team used a dominant second quarter and a balanced scoring attack to pull away from Salem (W.Va.), earning an 83-59 victory Wednesday evening at the Rockefeller Center. The Bobcats improved to 11-4 overall with the win.
Salem opened the scoring and stayed within striking distance early, but the Bobcats' pace and execution quickly settled in. Wesleyan led 21-16 after the first quarter, then delivered in the second, forcing Salem into a cold spell from the field.
Wesleyan continued to control the game after the break, matching Salem's energy in the third quarter and extending the margin to 67-40 entering the fourth.
Sophomore guard
Ana Young paced the Bobcats with a game-high 22 points, knocking down 4-of-6 from three-point range while adding three steals in an active two-way performance.
Emma Witt continued to add to her MEC lead as the top shooter in the conference with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while also contributing five rebounds and three assists.
Wesleyan's frontcourt controlled the glass and created second-chance opportunities throughout the night.
Allie Daniels finished with eight points and a team-best 13 rebounds, adding a pair of assists and a block in just 16 minutes.
Kilah Dandridge posted 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while also handing out four assists. Wesleyan also received a strong all-around outing from
Sydney Baird, who scored 10 points and dished out a team-high five assists.
Wesleyan shot 53.2% (33-of-62) from the floor and 46.7% (7-of-15) from three, while holding Salem to 35.9% shooting overall. The Bobcats also won the rebounding battle 41-26 and recorded 20 assists on 33 made baskets.
Salem was led by Selena Frost, who scored 20 points on 8-of-17 shooting and hit three triples. Meilin Guo added 11 points, while Kamarice Jackson scored 11 off the bench.
The Bobcats travel to Point Park University (Pa.) Friday, Jan. 30 for a 5:30 tip with the Pioneers.