Leong's Career Day Leads Wellesley Basketball Over WPI

WORCESTER, Mass. -- Leslie Leong notched game-highs of 21 points and 14 rebounds and Morgyne Weaver came off the bench to add 16 points to propel Wellesley to a 58-51 road win over host WPI in a NEWMAC women's basketball match-up on Saturday afternoon. 

The Blue are now 6-7 on the season and 5-3 in conference action while WPI dips to 4-11 overall and 2-6 in NEWMAC play. The win snaps the Engineers' 12-game winning streak in the series and is the first win for Wellesley over WPI since February 19th, 2005.

The visitors parlayed ten first half offensive rebounds into a 11-2 advantage in second chance points to take a 28-23 lead into the locker room at intermission.  The Blue never trailed until WPI's Lauren Hannmann drained a 3-pointer with 13:34 remaining  to give the Engineers a 32-31 lead. 

Wellesley quickly responded with a 16-8 run to claim a lead it would not relinquish.  Leong and Weaver combined for 14 of the 16 Blue points during the spurt, including a trio of 3-pointers by Leong and a conventional 3-point play from Weaver.

The double-double was the fourth of the season for Leong and ninth of her career, while her 21 points are a new career-high.  Malia Maier was outstanding for Wellesley, doling out eight assists and swiping seven steals while Weaver chipped in with six boards to go along with her career-high of 16 points.  Ashleigh Sargent aided the Blue effort with six points and four boards.

Dani Davis paced the WPI attack with 12 points, seven rebounds, four steals and a pair of assists.  Hannmann scored all 11 of her points for the hosts in the second half while Kelly Morgan added a season-best 11.  Theresa Logan tallied nine points and eight rebounds while Baillie McNally handed out five assists.         

WPI concludes a two-game home stand on Wednesday, hosting Smith at 7pm.  Wellesley is also home at 7pm on Wednesday, entertaining Coast Guard.