FINDLAY, OH - As mid-season approaches, the Ohio Dominican women's basketball team (7-9, 2-6) traveled to Findlay, Ohio, to face the Oilers (8-8, 4-5) in a G-MAC matchup. The game came down to the final seconds, with the Panthers ultimately falling to the Oilers 64-63 in a nail-biter.
Ohio Dominican finished the game shooting 36.7% from the field, 33.3% from beyond the arc (6-18), and a strong 86.7% from the free-throw line (13-15).
Key Performers
Senior guard Sarah Ochs led the Panthers with 14 points, shooting 6-15 from the field, 2-2 from deep, and 7-8 from the charity stripe, while also recording five rebounds and two steals. Mackenzie Hurd totaled 11 points and 10 rebounds to secure her fourth double-double in six games, while also dishing out three assists. Jazmyn Wheeler provided a major spark off the bench, contributing 11 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. Gracie Cosgrove added nine points on three pointers and grabbed three rebounds.
Game Breakdown
The Panthers started hot, shooting 66.67% from the field (8-12) and 66% from three-point range (4-6) in the opening period. By the end of the first quarter, Ohio Dominican silenced the home crowd, outscoring Findlay 24-15.
In the second quarter, the Panthers' shooting cooled to 47%, while Findlay began to gain momentum. The Oilers outscored ODU 21-17 in the frame, but a late layup allowed the Panthers to maintain a 41-36 lead heading into halftime.
The momentum shifted further in the third quarter as ODU's offense struggled, shooting just 12.50% from the field. However, they remained competitive by going 8-8 from the free-throw line. Despite scoring only 12 points in the quarter, they held Findlay to 16, though the Oilers managed to take a one-point lead heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting under 40%. With three minutes remaining, the game was tied at 60-60. A three-pointer and a free throw gave the Oilers a four-point cushion with 1:35 left on the clock. Jazmyn Wheeler sparked a late rally with a big rebound and tip-in, followed by a block that gave ODU possession. After Wheeler brought the Panthers within two, Mackenzie Hurd grabbed a rebound and hit a free throw to cut the lead to one. With five seconds remaining, the Panthers had a chance to win it in the paint, but the shot wouldn't fall, allowing the Oilers to escape with the 64-63 victory.
Next
The Panthers now turn their focus to next week as they host the Malone Pioneers—ranked No. 25 in the nation—inside Alumni Hall on Thursday, January 22, at 5:30 PM.
