WILMINGTON — The Wilmington College women’s basketball team recovered from its last-second loss to Franklin Friday night to claim the consolation game Saturday in the 2019 Fred Raizk Memorial Tournament at Herman Court.
Led by Michelle Lee, Wilmington defeated Hiram College, 84-76, to even its record at 2-2 on the young season.
Lee, a junior forward, had a career-high 22 points and pulled down nine rebounds to earn a spot on the all-tournament team.
Hiram held a 21-19 first quarter lead, but Wilmington came out strong in the second period with a 25-11 margin to take a 44-32 advantage into the locker room. The Terriers came storming back in the third period with a 14-2 run, enabling Hiram to tie the score a 46-all.
McKayla Binkley’s basket put Wilmington on top 57-56 at the third quarter break.
It was a close game throughout much of the final period, before WC pulled away in the closing minutes. Lee had the hot hand for the Lady Quakers in the final period, scoring 12 of Wilmington’s 27 fourth quarter points to nail down the victory.
Wilmington had three other starters in double figures, as Hannah and McKayla Binkley each scored 15 points, and Kennedy Lewis added 13.
Lewis had a strong effort at the free throw line, making seven of her eight attempts. Wilmington converted 21 of 26 free throw chances (81 percent).
The Quakers dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 49-27. Kelly Noll pulled down nine rebounds, while McKayla Binkley had eight rebounds.
Wilmington converted 46 percent of its shots from the field (29 of 62 attempts) while Hiram struggled, making just 28 of 71 attempts (39 percent).
Albion College won the championship game, defeating Franklin 74-68.
Coming into the tournament undefeated, the Britons are now 6-0 on the season. Rain Hinton of Albion was the tournament MVP. She was joined by teammate Elena Walker on the all-tournament team. Franklin’s selections were Bayleigh Walker (who hit the game-winning shot Friday) and Jenna Cowart.
Hiram’s representative was Madison Branch.
Wilmington will host Earlham 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Quaker Bowl rivalry game at Hermann Court.
