OBERLIN, OH - The Oberlin College women's basketball team played their final game before the holiday break against Adrian, on Wednesday night. The 63-58 matchup saw the Yeowomen finish on top, to improve to 8-1 on the season.
Alyson Jefferson led the charge for Oberlin. With 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, the senior chipped in for a pair of three-pointers. Camille Zinaich also finished in double-digits with 17 points, adding in another 11 rebounds to complete the double-double. Defensively, Krystal Montas provided some much-needed grit for Oberlin, rejecting a trio of shots while collecting six rebounds.
The Crimson and Gold get back in action again at the end of the month when they take on Mount Aloysius in the first round of the 37th Annual Jim Meagle Holiday Classic, hosted by Marietta. The team tips off on December 29, at 2 p.m.
How It Happened
In a competitive matchup from the jump, Gina Lombard found Jefferson for a three-pointer to start the game. Adrian combined a jumper with a pair of free throws to take their first lead of the night, but Jefferson responded with a layup in the paint for the Crimson and Gold. The senior catapulted Oberlin into a 9-3 run to close out the quarter.
The Yeowomen sat on a comfortable 17-9 lead to start the second, where Jefferson picked up where she left off with a triple less than a minute into the action. With momentum on their side, Oberlin locked in on defense, forcing a shot clock violation on the Bulldogs. Before long, the Crimson and Gold enjoyed an 11-point lead over Adrian at 29-18. The Bulldogs added one more basket before the half to bring the score within nine.
Adrian looked to come out strong in the third quarter, driving for a layup in their first possession. Lombard responded with a trey and an ensuing free throw to give the Crimson and Gold their biggest lead of the night at 13. After back-to-back baskets, Adrian looked to regain their lost momentum, but the home team shut them down after forcing another shot clock violation. Holding for the final shot, Jefferson found sharpshooter Ellie Pollock-Ballard, who drilled the three-pointer at the buzzer to put Oberlin up 48-40 with one quarter remaining.
The visitors opened the fourth period with five-straight points, all coming from leading scorer, Kiaya Warner. Oberlin struggled to connect on their shots until Montas knocked a three-pointer from long at the six-minute mark. With three minutes to go, the Bulldogs began their climb back into the game. Starting with a three-pointer from Bailey Taylor, Adrian went on an 8-0 run to bring the game within to complete the comeback, committed a handful of fouls to get the ball back from the Yeowomen. Oberlin stood tall against the penalties, and knocked down a pair of free throws to seal the 63-58 victory.
Game Notes
» Four players finished in double-digits: Jefferson, Ziniach, Lombard, and Pollock-Ballard.
» Oberlin had 18 points off 19 Adrian turnovers.
» The Crimson and Gold never trailed after taking a 5-4 lead at the 7:42 mark in the first quarter.
Fans can watch all the home matches live online. Home contests can be accessed on a TV through the official Oberlin College Sports Network app on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV.
