BEXLEY, Ohio – Committing a season-high 28 turnovers, the Heidelberg University women's basketball team put themselves in a hole they were unable to dig out of. The Student Princes let a competitive game early turn into an 11-point halftime deficit, as the Berg was unable to even get the contest within single-digits in the second period. The host Crusaders maintained and built on to their large lead, pulling away for the 70-55 victory.

KEY STATS

Heidelberg lost the turnover battle by a wide margin, committing28 in the game, which was their most of the season.

The Student Princes only shot six free throws in the game, compared to 27 for host Capital. To add on to that disparity, the Berg hit only 50% from the charity stripe while the Crusaders knocked down 85.2%.

Despite the rough game as a team, Marisa Liburdi had a solid offensive night, scoring a team-high 18 points in just 17 minutes of playing time.

FIRST HALF

The Student Princes came out of the gate ready to play, taking a seven-point lead at the 17:04 mark after a layup by Liburdi.

Capital went on a big 15-0 run, seizing a 22-13 lead with 10:59 to play after a layup by Colleen Fondessy.

After the leady for the Crusaders was built up to double-digits, Heidelberg cut it back down to seven after a trey by Allie Hawkins with 4:07 remaining. The home team made the last push of the half, however, taking a 39-28 advantage into the break.

SECOND HALF

Heading into the locker room, the Heidelberg bench was assessed a technical foul, giving Capital a pair of free throws that they hit to open the second period.

The Student Princes were unable to cut into the deficit throughout much of the period, as the lead for the Crusaders hovered within 11 and 18 the entire period. A layup by Carli Patrick made the score 58-47 with 5:55 remaining and the Berg then forced a turnover, but they were unable to capitalize as Capital built their lead back up and held on with the final score being 70-55.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Hawkins was the second-leading scorer on the day for Heidelberg and was the only other to reach double-figures for the Berg besides Liburdi. She went for 15 points, including 3-of-7 shooting from behind the 3-point line.

The six free throws shot by the Student Princes was a season-low, marking the only time on the year they have shot under 10 in a game.

POSTSEASON PUSH

The Heidelberg women's basketball team has clinched a home game in the upcoming OAC tournament and will host either Mount Union or Marietta next Monday, February 23rd, pending the results of the final regular-season games this weekend.

UP NEXT

The Student Princes will wrap up the regular season portion of their season on Saturday, February 21st, when they travel to Otterbein. That contest is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. tip. In their previous meeting on January 10th in Tiffin, the Berg came away with a close 78-77 win.