THE BASICS 

Score: Emerson 53, Wheaton (MA) 50

Records: Emerson Lions (5-9, 2-0 NEWMAC); Wheaton Lions (5-8, 0-2 NEWMAC)

Location: Northon, Mass.

Date: January 19 2022

The Lead: Ella Bushee led all scorers with 15 points as Emerson outlasted Wheaton (MA) improves to 2-0 against NEWMAC competition.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS 

EMERSON 

Ella Bushee: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists

Katie Beckmann: 11 points, 6 rebounds

Oliva Deslauriers: 11 points, 4 assists

WHEATON (MA)

Sadie Shore: 11 points, 9 rebounds

Abby Fernandes: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Riley Sprague: 8 points, 4 rebounds

HOW IT HAPPENED `

• Wheaton would take a three-point lead at the 8:27 mark of the first quarter when Sydney Ropes nail a three-pointer to put Wheaton up 5-2. This would be Wheaton's largest lead of this tightly contested game.
• The remainder of the first quarter was back and forth as Emerson and Wheaton traded baskets. Wheaton's Lindsey Oliveira would drill a jumper with :15 remaining in the first quarter to give Wheaton a 14-13 lead.
• The second quarter was much of the same with four lead changes between the teams. With :2 remaining in the half, Emerson's Mackenzie Bruno scored a layup to tie the game at 28-28 going into halftime.
• Emerson came out of halftime strong on both ends of the floor going on a 12-2 run led by Ella Bushee pouring in 8 of her game high 15 points and forcing two turnovers. Ava Salti also forced a turnover as Emerson jumped out to a 10-point lead with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter.
• Emerson held Wheaton to a total of 5 points in the third quarter as they entered the final quarter with a 43-33 lead.
• Wheaton would answer to start the fourth quarter as they would go on a 10-4 run. Sadie Shore contributed 7 of her team high 11 points as Wheaton pulled within two points with 1:02 remaining in the game.
• Emerson was able to convert on four of six free throw attempts in the final minute to hold on for a 53-50 victory.

UP NEXT

• The Lions return home for a non-conference matchup against Eastern Nazarene on Saturday, January 22 at 1pm.