Wellesley Drops Heartbreaker to Wheaton

WELLESLEY. Mass. -- Wheaton College held off a late charge from Wellesley to down the Blue 50-47 on Wednesday night at Keohane Sports Center. The win lifts the Lyons to 5-8 overall, 3-4 in the NEWMAC. Wellesley drops 5-7, 4-3 in conference play.

The Lyons built an 11-5 lead in the opening minutes of the game, courtesy of six points from Abbie Brickley. Wellesley battled back, tying the game at 14-14 with 9:53 remaining, with three-pointers from Malia Maier and Leslie Leong and a layup from Courtney Jackson. The Lyons took a narrow lead on a trey from Nicole Cullinane, but minutes later Maier sank a three to tie the game at 21-21. A free throw from Brickley put the visitors up 22-21 at the break.

With solid play from Cullinane and Gabbie DePalo, Wheaton built a 37-29 lead midway through the second half. Wellesley trimmed the lead to 41-39, but Wheaton answered with a 7-2 run, including five more from Cullinane, for a 48-41 lead with 2:40 remaining. Wellesley fought back with buckets from Morgyne Weaver and Leong, cutting the lead to 50-47 with 55 seconds on the clock. But Wheaton sealed the win as they held the Blue scoreless for the final minute.

Cullinane had a stellar night for the Lyons, with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Brickley added 11 points, while DePalo chipped in eight points and nine rebounds.