Second Half Three-Pointers Spark WU’s 71-57 Win Over W&J
WASHINGTON, Pa. -- Elaine Hasek scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Waynesburg to a 71-57 PAC women’s basketball victory over Washington & Jefferson on Wednesday evening at the Henry Memorial Center.
The Yellow Jackets (4-8, 3-2 PAC) defeated the Presidents (8-4, 3-2 PAC) for a sixth consecutive time after making 9-of-25 three-pointers (8-17 in second half). Hayden Giuliani came off the bench to knock down three triples in the second half.
W&J led for nearly the entire first half, stretching its advantage to as many as eight (20-12) after back-to-back three-pointers by junior guard Alexa Burzese (Sewickley, Pa./Quaker Valley) at the 8:58 mark.
Waynesburg rallied late with a 12-4 run to take a 31-30 lead into halftime. Brittany Spencer had 10 first-half points, including a jumper with 1:06 remaining which put the Yellow Jackets in front.
Lauren Blair’s three-pointer at the 12:12 mark pushed the Yellow Jacket lead to 45-35, but W&J rallied again behind Burzese with a 13-2 spurt over the next three minutes. Her lay-up with 9:08 left put W&J ahead 48-47.
Gina Rievel answered with a three-pointer eight seconds later which started a 17-6 WU run and included four three-point baskets, two of which came from Giuliani.
Waynesburg saw 29 of its points come from its bench, including 11 by Giuliani. The Yellow Jackets shot 36 percent overall (24-66) and held a slim 46-43 edge on the boards.
Burzese made 4-of-8 three-pointers to finish with 14 points, while sophomore center Valerie Dunlap (Hostetter, Pa./Latrobe) notched a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Emily Abraham (Canfield, Ohio/Boardman) contributed 11 points (3-8 three-pointers), while junior forward Chelsea Apke (Pittsburgh, Pa./Mt. Lebanon) ripped down a game-high 13 rebounds.
The Presidents were limited to 31 percent shooting (20-64), but made 8-of-22 three-point attempts. W&J was also hurt by 18 turnovers.
W&J continues conference play on Saturday when hosting Chatham at 2:00 pm.
