Box Score

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Even with a 13-2 run in the final two minutes of the second half, women's basketball (4-6) managed to hang on to take a 66-61 non-conference win from Wilkes University (3-8) Wednesday evening at the Marts Center. Senior Rose Williamson paced the red and white with her first double-double of the season to help end the Lions two-game skid.

For Williamson her night consisted of a career high 12 rebounds and 10 points. Classmates Jessica McGinness and MariLynn McMonagle also finished Wednesday's contest in double-figures with 15 and 12 points respectively.

Wednesday's contest was a hard fought win for the red and white. On the night they shot 40% (24-60) from the field and 76% (16-21) from the line. They also held a 49-34 advantage in rebounds and forced 16 turnovers. Wilkes shot just under 37% (22-60) from the field, but struggled at the line as they shot 60% (12-20) overall.

Throughout the first half, Albright maintained a solid lead over their non-conference opponents. Wilkes largest lead of the half was a mere three points, which they earned on their opening possession. Even with an early run by Wilkes to start the second half, Albright never faltered as they quickly responded with a run of their own. By the 10 minute mark they held their largest lead of the night (50-40) following a Kari Ludy lay-up.

That lead then jumped to 16 points less than five minutes later following a 14-6 run. Even with the large lead in their favor, the red and white were not able to put the final nail in the coffin, as the Colonels battled their way back in the final minutes of play.

With just 21 seconds remaining, Wilkes managed to cut the red and white's 16 point lead down to three. Sam Lynam played a major part in the Colonels late rally as she scored 12 of her game-high 20 points in the second half.

Even with the late run, the red and white held their composure. Following back-to-back free throws from Lynam which made 64-61, Albright inbounded the ball to McGinness on their next possession. McGinness was fouled almost immediately, which put her at the free throw line to shoot a 1-and-1.

After making the first, McGinness tried to give Albright a five point lead, but was unable to convert leaving the score at 65-61 with 14 seconds left in regulation. However the missed basket would find the hands of Williamson, who was then immediately fouled by Wilkes giving Albright another shot to extend their lead.

Still in the 1-and-1, Williamson was unable to convert on her first opportunity. The Colonels managed to collect the defensive rebound, and quickly headed to the opposite side of the court. Knowing that it was still a two possession game, the Colonels tried to hit the three as time continued to wind down. The shot missed its mark and as it came off the rim it was collected by McMonagle.

McMonagle sealed the win at the free throw line as she went 1-for-2 to help Albright earn the 66-61 win.

Women's Basketball returns to the Bollman Center this Saturday when they host Messiah College at 4 p.m. in a Commonwealth Conference contest.