The Otterbein women’s basketball team secured a 61-39 conference victory over Ohio Northern Wednesday evening inside the Rike Center. The Cardinals outscored the visiting Polar Bears in the second half by 20 points.
Otterbein now improves to 14-8 overall and 10-5 in Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) play. Ohio Northern falls to 11-11 overall and 5-10 in OAC play. The Cardinals were led in scoring by Dani Kissel with 15 points and Angelia Jackson with 10 points.
Otterbein never trailed for the entire game. While both teams struggled shooting from the field in the first half, the Cards entered halftime leading 18-16. Ohio Northern kept the deficit close through the halfway point of the third quarter, tying the game at 23-23 at the 5:43 mark.
Alex Schaffer connected on a 3-pointer a minute later as Otterbein regained the lead. The Cardinals would finish the quarter on an 11-2 run carrying a 34-25 lead entering the final quarter of play.
Otterbein had a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring Ohio Northern 25-14. Jackson connected on a couple of free throws to give the Cards a 40-30 double-digit lead at the 7:14 mark. Ohio Northern would never cut the deficit under double digits for the remainder of the contest.
The Cardinals would finish the game on a 21-9 run on their way to securing the win. The home team received meaningful contributions off the bench in outscoring the Polar Bears 23-16. Otterbein was also able to capitalize off Ohio Northern turnovers in registering 18 points off their miscues.
Otterbein will finish the week by hosting Muskingum University Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.
