Wellesley Basketball Downs Mount Holyoke

Wellesley Basketball Downs Mount Holyoke

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Wellesley basketball used a balanced offense and solid rebounding to defeat Mount Holyoke, 59-39, on Wednesday night at  Keohane Sports Center. The Blue had four players in double figures, including career-highs for Meghan Sargent and Courtney Jackson, with 10 points each. Wellesley also grabbed 23 offensive boards, leading to 17 second-chance points.

The win lifts the Blue to 4-6 overall, 3-2 in the NEWMAC. The Lyons drop to 2-9, 0-5 in the conference.

After trading baskets in the opening minutes of the game, the Lyons opened a 16-13 lead midway through the period. Wellesley tightened its defense, eventually forcing 13 first-half turnovers, and took control of the boards at both ends. The Blue went on a 17-3 run, including nine-for-nine from the charity line, to take a 30-19 lead into the break.

Wellesley opened the second half with an 11-4 run to build a 41-23 lead with 14:00 remaining. Four minutes later, a layup from Morgyne Weaver pushed the advantage to 50-27, the largest of the game, as Wellesley coasted to the 59-39 win.

Angelica Pascual led the Lyons with 11 points, while Amber Legare chipped in with six points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Jasmine Brown paced Mount Holyoke with six assists, while Annabel Barrett added five points and three steals.

In addition to their offensive output, Sargent tallied five rebounds and Jackson led all players with four steals. Leslie Leong and Elisha Orama scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Malia Maier added eight points and five assists. Leong and Orama also led the Blue on the boards, combining for 18 rebounds.

Both squads return to action on Saturday, January 7, at 2:00, when the Lyons travel to Wheaton and Wellesley plays host to Smith.